This meeting had the party finish the overland travel and do their first attempt at infiltrating an enemy encampment (in this case, a slaver tent city of 400 people) to get information and answers. I do not like the introduction of sense motive and intimidation and all the other "skill" check rolls that were introduced in 3rd edition and never made the adjustment to include them in my games.
Instead, I have the characters do their best to act it out. A decent Charisma goes a long way to me softening the NPC's reactions to the things the party might utter and we spent a large portion of this meeting talking and meeting the type of people that make up the slaver world.
And this was the introduction of the 500 lb gorilla. We've used this joke since then, but this was the 1st meeting where we identified it. A 500 lb gorilla is a loud and chest beating beast that DEMANDS to be noticed and gets upset that no one noticed it was here a moment ago. That is what gets whipped out when someone in the group says the worst thing at the wrong time to the least desirable people. And I believe the party was laughing because it happened a lot this night.
Role playing and the stories that come from it is often its own reward. And this meeting was one of them.
Write up follows:
After bidding Ungoth Rockholm and the other dwarves you had saved from the feral orc encampment farewell, your party reviewed the map (as provided by Thadar) and continued on your way towards finding Fulgore Keep. From Malek's Peak, you continued following the valley trails north-east, looking out for someplace known as Crispani's Vale. It was there that you discovered the location as marked by scrub junipers and scraggly pine trees sheltered from the mountainous winds in a bowl formed by three hill peaks. A natural collective of ground water and run off provided a watering hole for local fauna (wolves, foxes, goat, and rabbits according to Detheron) at which the party refilled their waterskins and rested briefly.
From here, we traveled east towards the next marker on our map - someplace referred to as Double Dagger Hills. We came to the strange location at just under an hour - two peaks which looked like at some point in the not too distant past that were once one. They were separated as if cloven by a mighty axe - the pass between them filled with broken rough edged and acrid smelling stones. Zoltan scouted the pass and felt a bit claustrophobic and uneasy - the winds blowing stray stones from far above down into the detritus he was walking in. He returned to the party and Gwyn and Detheron checked the area out as well - finding no signs of magical emanations and learning that the rocks were also pitted and scoured - not normal for this type of area according to the dwarf.
Party decided to trailblaze to the west and circle the outside of Double Dagger Hills - hoping to meet up with the pass on the other side and rejoin the map's directive. The area was dangerous and prone to sudden and uncomfortable slidings of loose stone. The rough ground played havoc with everyone and the occasional smoking crack forced the group to pick their way up and down the slope in effort to find safe passage. Eventually, after an hour or so, the party safely (barring a few stray hit points) came to the other side of the Double Dagger Hill pass and continued onward - this time looking for a single spire of stone and a pass marked off as Deep Clefts.
It was here that they were instructed to travel clockwise around the peak as going counter would have them come upon a section of the map labeled "Here be Trolls" - and after their last run in with Tnagrath in Fengarth's Tower - they felt troll-baiting was not a good idea. They walked the ravine trail - finally seeing the odd signs of passage (thrown horse-shoe, body under a cairn, stub of a torch, etc...) until arriving safely on the other side - from here it was a walk through some craggy hills and the group stopped a good 15 minutes outside of Fulgore Keep and the slaver tent city there.
Zoltan was elected to go into the town where it was planned he would come back (sneak) at 1 AM and inform the party of what he found (if anything). He walked carefully towards the city and came upon a site as detailed here:
The Keep stands like a squat toad on one side of a deep ravine, a large wall, stout gate, imposing barbican, and ready towers offering a powerful defense to anyone approaching the stronghold across the wide and cleared ground.
A tent city has been erected around the Keep; no structure closer than almost two hundred feet from the cut and mortared walls. People are milling around the canvas and wood city, going about their business as if it were market day in Orihalcus. Most of them have a hardened look about them and from what you can see, each person is armed and armored as they go about their business.
No one gives you more than a cursory glance, engaged in their efforts as it is as they go about their business. A few standards flap in the feeble breeze, banners with symbols and heraldry that is strange to you.
At that moment someone to your right clears his throat and asks, "Hail. Ye've come to Fulgore fer work or are ye just stepping through and spotting wares?"
Our scout then spent some time in Flitch's company (local that addressed him) - plying the talkative slaver with coin and beer while getting his ear bent at the Rusty Bucket. The encampment was a mix of human and half-orcish people - with a smattering of half ogre and dwarves thrown in as well. No elves (barring slaves) were visible, neither were gnomes or halflings seen. There were about three to four hundred slavers here, with about eighty slaves as well. The slaves were in different places of the tent city - property of different organizations of slavers.
Roughly twenty organizations have presence here - although as of this moment - only eleven had representatives local (one of which was Lycos Suns - the party's original captors). Zoltan scouted out the entire area and arranged room and board at the Rusty Bucket - eventually giving Flitch the slip. There were no guards, patrols, or militia. If there was any crime – there was no mention of it. The slavers know that only those that are supposed to be here would be here - and there was an open air of trust - no organization would dare do anything against anyone else. Some whispers that the Castellan and his men kept the peace through fear, intimidation, or whatever was indicated - but no one from the keep ever came and mixed with the tent city.
Zoltan went back to the group and told them of what he had learned and let them know that entering the city should be safe and easy - as no one minded anyone coming or going. Gwyn went in with Karis - after Puck went in (with a fake name) - after Zoltan went back. Detheron opted to stay out of the city seeing as he had a wolfkin, a 4' glowing firebeetle, and a 350 lb black bear.
Apparently the group also brought a 500 lb gorilla with them as they took turns passing it around the room. You know gorillas, don't you? Hulking 500 lb beasts that you just can't ignore? Larping and role playing are great fun - and with a larger group like ours – you can count on some interesting turn of phrases and events, as we found out when mouths ran on and the denizens of the tent city listened to the things we had to say. And it was great.
While in the Rusty Bucket, Puck stayed at the bar nursing an ale, Zoltan had a nice stew at a table, and Gwyn and Karis were getting something to eat. Gwyn tried to join a knife throwing contest but was rebuffed as they didn't play with "halfers or stunties". Karis tried but he was just told "no fricking way". There were some other things going on and Gwyn was accosted by a hulking half-ogre who asked him "Do you know who I am!?" and Gywn said, "No! Do you know who I am!?" And he was called out. 10' circle - 30 bronze disks - some side betting. And it was 1st guy to hit the floor or get tossed loses. Puck tried an odd distract spell but some other spell caster was boosting the ogre's reflexes. The dwarf and the half ogre fought punch for punch for punch until a lucky shot had Gwyn slam the half-ogre back and out of the circle.
Winnings in hand – they went back inside. Half ogre was named Driys and was some mid-level functionary for a slaver outfit named the Ghosts of Heroes. Was impressed with Gwyn and he and Karis were invited to spent some time with him drinking and eating and talking. Got more info on the encampment and the Keep. Slaver camps only been here about 5 years - Castellan helped set it up - leasing space to the slaver organizations. It is really needed now since Delarinn's toppling two years plus ago - it is difficult to move stock without them getting waylaid by Cedric's dragoons.
Then Gwyn invited Puck to the table - trying to be subtle. But forgot Puck's alias and invited the sorcerer over by his first name. Puck came and the group continued talking to Driys and his boys - pretending to be slavers for hire. And when Driys asked casually who Puck had done work for - the mage's mind went blank and stared at the half-ogre for a moment before blurting "Lycos Suns". Attempted to cover it up by saying it was a while ago but now the cat's out of the bag. Driys didn't seem to care about who and just yapped with the group all night. Zoltan attempted to sing a pro-slaver song about whipping and beating and the rigors of the road which got much applause.
There was some attempt to get someone with a magical earring either drunk or stoned and Puck convinced Gwyn to go and ask the person in question if he liked to smoke opium and Gwyn eventually relented and went over there and whipped out the gorilla by asking, "Say - would you like some opium?" There was a brief exchange that followed where it was hilarious but the slaver informed the dwarf that he had heard the mage and his exchange and there was no stealing here outside of Fulgore Keep and move on or wind up tossed in the ravine. Gwyn was falsely incensed and said he was going to go back to the mage and tell him how mad he was. Damned funny (yes – it seemed to be an earring of keen hearing). The group was tired by this point and went to sleep.
Detheron was awakened by Fodder during the night but the bear stayed mostly asleep - foul- temperingly waking up only when prodded repeatedly. Someone was walking in the hills and Detheron instead of letting them pass challenged "Who's out there!?" No answer. "Answer me! Who's there?" He then lit a torch - showing the bear next to him. "Tell me who you are!?"
The Voice answered and the exchange in the pitch black night followed. "Are you crazy?" "Are you!?" "What are you doing out in the hills alone at night?!" "What are you doing out here!?" "I don't have time for this." "Get away. Move on. I have a bear and I'm not afraid to use it!"
Sadly, the bear had fallen back asleep. Whoever it was had left and the next morning, Detheron decided since his cover was blown, he might as well enter the camp city. Group woke up - ate breakfast of porridge and cool beer and talked about what was to happen.
While walking the camp city, Detheron was randomly asked if he wanted work and he rudely told everyone who spoke to him to "Shut up" while making his way to the Rusty Bucket and trying to sit down - with his animal companions with him. Frankish, the proprietor - was having a conniption and tried to get Detheron to leave but the druid was playing dumb and said he wasn't going anywhere. Eventually the proprietor realized he wasn't going to shake the druid (who everyone in town thought was a ranger - and the story of the "crazy guy in the hills with the flaming bear" had already made the morning gossip rounds) and let him stay at a table near the door where Detheron made yummy noises about how damned good the food was here. Porridge!
Group wandered around - spoke to Crimson Moons, Zathar the smith, Lycos Suns, and others - some plied with opium - others just good conversation - others fumbling bits of dialogue. Learned most of the functionaries of the Lycos Suns, Obsidian Feathers, and Crimson Moons were inside the Keep on orders of the Castellan and have been there for two days. Something is going on. Not normal. A name like "Yohanis" was mentioned as the local boss of the Lycos Suns for here (not Vanir - most likely a subordinate). Also - Keep is an Ogrish/Orcish keep - and was never a Sedarin Keep - which is why no one had ever heard of it. The ravine was once called the Copper Bottom River - but was now dry - and had been so since the dragon attacks at the end of the Ogre/Orcish war 50 years ago. Ravine was 200' wide and about 450' deep and went off to the east and west as far as visibility in the mountains would allow.
Castellan is an Ogre - his manning of the keep are orcs. Castellan is position that is rotated every 10 years. Current one has had it for 7 years. He apparently handles some sort of seal forgery - making the movement of illegal and unpapered slaves much easier with his help. He keeps no slaves, but seems to have a good business head. It is assumed that representatives from the Ogrelords come about twice a year around the equinox and leave with wagons loaded with stuff and tradegoods. Has NO tolerance for manlings - and won't allow them to stay. Even Zathar the smith is not allowed as he is half human and has to live in the city. There is a much poorer orcish smith inside the Keep but not as skilled as Zathar. There is one well in the area - but it is outside the orcish fence line - no one ever sees them get water.
We ended it here as the party has pretty much exhausted any information about the encampment and whatnot in the area - also getting some info on Fulgore Keep. It is Firemonth the 2nd right now - about 2:30 in the afternoon - and we have hit an impasse given what we have learned at our disposal so far. Tvold - the low level functionary watching the Lycos Sun's area has no real information at his disposal - there are 6-7 others inside the Keep and have been there for some time now (2 days or so). So there is nothing we can get without having either someone else come out or some records that we can read.
A frontal assault on the keep would result in death so if we are going to try and get in - we're going to have to use some ingenuity. Of everyone in the encampment - only Zathar is allowed in - and only him alone - and ONLY when he is invited to come in - which isn't very often. Other than that - higher level functionaries of various slaving organizations are invited in (most likely to pay rents) but that's about it. Karis mentioned trying to get a job there - but no one is sure how to go about doing that since the Castellan has his own staff and has never taken anyone from outside the encampment in his employ before. The keep is right on the edge of the ravine - at least the NE tower pretty close to the rocky wall.
There is also talk of waiting till the Lycos Suns come out and accosting them - but that has its own issues and problems. There are 300-400 slavers here - plus whatever is manning the keep. There is talk of also calling on Sir Cedric and having the Count come here with his dragoons and wiping the place out - but again - timing issues and problems. Our immediate goal with coming to Fulgore Keep was getting information from the Lycos Suns on what they were doing with capturing the party - where we were going AFTER Fulgore Keep - and some more info on Djohrgahd or Vanir. Since we were unpapered - was the Castellan going to have papers drawn up for us? Are there records? There were two other caravans that DID make it here - where did they go?
There is a feeling that the clock is ticking against us and our window of opportunity to learn what we need to know to get the next link in the chain is closing. The group is going to have to make some hard decisions very soon - decisions that will radically alter what happens next and their future. We are going to need some more information - specific types. And its going to mean we're going to have to talk to someone or someones very soon to get it.
That's it - had a great time. Lots of laughter at the table and I thank everyone for having a good sense of humor and joining in. There is NO wrong way to do what we did - and no one should feel "Aw man - I really screwed up by saying that" - because it was great. It happens. And it only adds to the camaraderie our characters feel with one another as well as our own around the table. Some people play an ultra-serious game and some time our sessions will be like that. It was safe to say that this week's wasn't.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Monday, July 14, 2008
Meet 11, Adv 3, 12/15/07
This was our last meeting before the holiday rush. And an opportunity for the party to try out their skills as 3rd level characters. Most of the first part was role-playing - but there was a side adventure to save some dwarven miners and the party accorded themselves well.
Write up follows:
The party healed some of their hurts (thanks Detheron!) after their ill-fated attempt to plumb the haunted secrets of Fengarth's Tower and trudged back to Orihalcus arriving at the lift sometime after 8:30 at night. We wandered to our flop-house and for a moment Karis was willing to take us out for a night of drinking to "lift our spirits" but as was said - we just got our asses kicked and didn't feel much like celebrating. So one by one, we all fell asleep.
Next morning we woke up and talked about what had happened, vowing to return one day. Then we discussed our upcoming journey to Fulgore Keep. We talked about the slavers, the keep, the Castellan, the Lycos Suns, Vanir, and various plans on getting in and around the location. A review of Thadar's notes/map gave us a framework and a feeling on what would be in store for us regarding the journey there.
Sheriff Phozarn came next, asking about the party's hurts and their time in Fengarth (which was very glossed over and pretty much pushed aside). He then talked about Sir Walter allowing the party to make the trip to Fulgore Keep - allowing the group seven days/six nights out of Orihalcus and away from their bondsmanship duties. If the party would need more time, they were told they MUST send work back to Sir Walter first - mainly so he knows that they are uncaptured and alive. Concern is that the group is going into a slaver encampment and want to know that the group will not be recaptured.
With Marzen's help (pretty much the eldest living being in Orihalcus), he was able to help Sir Walter go through the forgotten relics in Orihalcus' vault and came up with something to help the party. Phozarn presented to Detheron a darkwood staff he referred to as Heimdall's Bulwark. A mystical staff from a time before the OgreWars, it was used here in the defense of Orihalcus until the divinely inspired regiment that was using it had been slain to the last. The art that once existed to make or recharge such an item is long gone, but luckily the staff still remains. Its powers were vague but something about healing at the wielder's will was more than enough to engage it. It was hinted that it might have other abilities as well. Finally according to Adeptus Bjorn the magic within the staff is old and fading and the party can't expect much more than half a dozen uses before the item is exhausted.
Detheron took it reverently and then Phozarn wrapped up answering any questions the party had. The group then discussed what their next course of action was to be and the scattered about town taking care of last minute purchases/changes/contacts. Zoltan went for a haircut, getting a mohawk (opting not to get a leeching though), and going to the fields, spoke with Keohn about buying some really old equipment (whips, chain shirt, short sword, manacles, etc..). Puck went to pick up his clothes from Clothier Dellia who didn't want to speak with anyone, eventually going upstairs in her house and avoiding all customers. Detheron renewed his faith with Frey and made sure he was as ready as he could be. Karis had the face of his shield blackened at Jarlian's Forge so he would be less identifiable. Then he went to Yrrg and had the seamstress make his a real piss-poor jerkin of stitched together old leather.
Group got a good night's sleep and woke up the next morning ready for their journey. They went to Sir Walter Slaine's and deposited much of their belongings in his vault (anything they didn't trust bringing with them), and then picked up from Drit's Liquors a pony-keg of ale, three wooden pipes, plenty of tobacco, and a 6 dose hit of fine opium. Karis was disgusted just being there but the party finished their dealings with the merchant (who's math skills were very poor!) and then left Orihalcus at 10:30 on Heatmonth the 30th.
The roads from Orihalcus were somewhat busy with all the comings and goings to Ironcamp (the former K'Tharkian' Homewarren) but in a short while the party left them behind and traveled the traderoads in silence towards Ponyboro. The hours passed and they broke for lunch briefly before moving on, looking for a mountain that appeared to look like a bear. Just in the last light of the setting sun, they came upon the mountain in question and left the traderoad, walking into the wild a few hundred feet and setting up camp. They scavenged the area for deadwood and scrub and set up a fire eventually breaking into watches and resting.
The next morning while breaking their fast and waiting for Detheron to finish his morning abulations to Frey, Zoltan climbed a nearby spire to scout. Seeing just more mountains and valleys around us, his keen ears did pick up the faint echoing of some sort of conflict not too far away. The group gathered their bedrolls and moved on. They traveled a short while until they heard angry voices nearby and some sort or arguing. Zoltan and Puck went off from another direction and scouted the site. They saw two carts dumped on their sides, boxes and barrels and bags scattered about. Four dwarves in sturdy traveling clothes and helms were arguing and cursing pointing around wildly. They all looked a bit disheveled and one was pretty wounded. Stone tipped spears were everywhere and the traces of the carts were cut but no animals were seen nearby. Puck went back to report what he saw and Zoltan stayed to keep watch on the 4 party of dwarves.
The group heard from Puck what was going on and they decided (at Gwyn's insistence) to go forward and see if they could help. The group of dwarves came from Cymbarton and were 3 weeks out from the capital city. They were prospecting the Dusty Mountains looking for signs of iron ore for the mineral poor county. The leader, Ungoth Rockholm (the same clan as Gwyn) reported that while coming through here just after breakfast a number of "Thor-damned painted greenskin toothed orcs burst from the very stones themselves and attacked us!" Their ponies were taken, some foodstuffs, two of their number, and numerous boxes with iron samples and maps of their travels. They admitted they were not warriors (don't even have armor) and had basic skill with weaponry, but would like the party to try and get their men back. Orcs took their people/ponies up some trail to a crag overhead.
Zoltan traveled a bit of a distance away and began climbing the 40 degree rough side of the mountain. He went up, up, up - maybe 900' distance, 400' vertically off the ground - until he was able to scout of the orcish area. A shelf of stone with low stacked walls was watched half heartedly by a half dozen feral orcs with crude bows. The dwarves were behind the walls being bound, gagged, and kicked - while the ponies were being abused and hobbled. Another eight or nine orcs were nearby. One of them was wearing some sort of feathered hat. Zoltan came back and the party planned out a rescue. The dwarves came with them (one of them with a xbow, the others with picks and hammers) and the group got into place.
Zoltan caused a swarm of multicolored lights to appear over the orcs' heads which captured their attention and the rest of the group ran forward. Crossbow bolts twanged and the first of the orcish archers were engaged. Ringo finished off the first one and the group marched to battle. More xbows fired and the group was now in melee range (some of them), Fodder and Ringo were tag teaming an orc when the Shaman tried to Hold Animal Ringo - the spell failed. Karis was hacking though the enemy and Gwyn kept popping up for xbow firing. Zoltan's sling kept flaring out whacking orcs left and right.
The Shaman directed his bear to attack but Puck's distraction spell captured their attention for a while, allowing the party to come closer and engage more of the orcs. One of them ran back into the cave to attend to the women and children and the dwarves had finally gotten to melee range, picks and hammer flashing. Detheron tried to get close to Karis and more stones and bolts were fired. Karis took some wounds and even Ringo and Fodder were getting beaten down. Puck took a chance and engaged the ring he had purloined from Kuluk the Terrible almost a month and more ago. It was a battle of wills but Puck's proved to be the stronger and a shaft of sickening black tinged yellow light snaked out and slammed full force into the Shaman who collapsed screaming.
The bear stormed forward and sent the 3 dawrves scattering but Detheron called upon Frey and bent the rampaging bear to his will, pulling the beast's loyalty from the pain wracked shamans. The animal stopped, looked around in confusion, and then began stalking after the shaman who was healing himself. Karis engaged the orcish chieftain next - the brute's stone axe no match for the militant trained Karis and his 6' greatsword. The 3 dwarves ran to Karis' side and tried to help the ogre in driving back the collapsing orcs.
Everytime the shaman stood up, he was hit with either spellbolt or quarrel or stone. Detheron called upon Frey's might and infused Karis with the power of the bull which made the already huge half-ogre swell up even larger. The tide was turned and one by one, the orcish clansmen were taken down and destroyed. Karis gave chase into the cave but the last warrior had led the women and children out of the back of the cave into a pass on the side of the mountain and away from danger.
The two dwarves captured were not dead but needed some attention which Detheron and Ungoth gave them. The ponies were hurt but not killed and there was a look around at what the orcs had. Most of it was crude ogre-sized equipment and stone tools. There were barrels of berries and some sort of dried meat. Detheron made better friends with the bear and the group counted themselves victorious. They helped the dwarves out of the orc's camp and back to their carts where they rehitched up the ponies and reloaded their supplies. The dwarves tried to pay the party for their heroic efforts (totaling up to roughly 45 crowns in various coins) but the group refused (except Zoltan who had actually taken the dwarves' money and had to be convinced to return it - sans about 3 crowns worth of coin he snatched before giving it back). Ungoth and the other miners were ecstatic and the party knew that their deeds this day would not be forgotten when the mining troupe eventually returned to Cymbarton.
The dwarves were told how to get to Orihalcus and were asked if they could lend their ponies to the Greengrocer Coalition while there, which they agreed happily. Expected to spend 3-5 days in Orihalcus and then follow the trade roads home to Cymbarton. The group wished them well and the dwarves and the party parted ways.
And that's where we ended it. A good job everyone and it was a nice show to kick butt as opposed to the trouble we had the prior meeting. We are about 2-3 hours from Fulgore Keep (assuming all goes well) and then we'll see what happens next.
Write up follows:
The party healed some of their hurts (thanks Detheron!) after their ill-fated attempt to plumb the haunted secrets of Fengarth's Tower and trudged back to Orihalcus arriving at the lift sometime after 8:30 at night. We wandered to our flop-house and for a moment Karis was willing to take us out for a night of drinking to "lift our spirits" but as was said - we just got our asses kicked and didn't feel much like celebrating. So one by one, we all fell asleep.
Next morning we woke up and talked about what had happened, vowing to return one day. Then we discussed our upcoming journey to Fulgore Keep. We talked about the slavers, the keep, the Castellan, the Lycos Suns, Vanir, and various plans on getting in and around the location. A review of Thadar's notes/map gave us a framework and a feeling on what would be in store for us regarding the journey there.
Sheriff Phozarn came next, asking about the party's hurts and their time in Fengarth (which was very glossed over and pretty much pushed aside). He then talked about Sir Walter allowing the party to make the trip to Fulgore Keep - allowing the group seven days/six nights out of Orihalcus and away from their bondsmanship duties. If the party would need more time, they were told they MUST send work back to Sir Walter first - mainly so he knows that they are uncaptured and alive. Concern is that the group is going into a slaver encampment and want to know that the group will not be recaptured.
With Marzen's help (pretty much the eldest living being in Orihalcus), he was able to help Sir Walter go through the forgotten relics in Orihalcus' vault and came up with something to help the party. Phozarn presented to Detheron a darkwood staff he referred to as Heimdall's Bulwark. A mystical staff from a time before the OgreWars, it was used here in the defense of Orihalcus until the divinely inspired regiment that was using it had been slain to the last. The art that once existed to make or recharge such an item is long gone, but luckily the staff still remains. Its powers were vague but something about healing at the wielder's will was more than enough to engage it. It was hinted that it might have other abilities as well. Finally according to Adeptus Bjorn the magic within the staff is old and fading and the party can't expect much more than half a dozen uses before the item is exhausted.
Detheron took it reverently and then Phozarn wrapped up answering any questions the party had. The group then discussed what their next course of action was to be and the scattered about town taking care of last minute purchases/changes/contacts. Zoltan went for a haircut, getting a mohawk (opting not to get a leeching though), and going to the fields, spoke with Keohn about buying some really old equipment (whips, chain shirt, short sword, manacles, etc..). Puck went to pick up his clothes from Clothier Dellia who didn't want to speak with anyone, eventually going upstairs in her house and avoiding all customers. Detheron renewed his faith with Frey and made sure he was as ready as he could be. Karis had the face of his shield blackened at Jarlian's Forge so he would be less identifiable. Then he went to Yrrg and had the seamstress make his a real piss-poor jerkin of stitched together old leather.
Group got a good night's sleep and woke up the next morning ready for their journey. They went to Sir Walter Slaine's and deposited much of their belongings in his vault (anything they didn't trust bringing with them), and then picked up from Drit's Liquors a pony-keg of ale, three wooden pipes, plenty of tobacco, and a 6 dose hit of fine opium. Karis was disgusted just being there but the party finished their dealings with the merchant (who's math skills were very poor!) and then left Orihalcus at 10:30 on Heatmonth the 30th.
The roads from Orihalcus were somewhat busy with all the comings and goings to Ironcamp (the former K'Tharkian' Homewarren) but in a short while the party left them behind and traveled the traderoads in silence towards Ponyboro. The hours passed and they broke for lunch briefly before moving on, looking for a mountain that appeared to look like a bear. Just in the last light of the setting sun, they came upon the mountain in question and left the traderoad, walking into the wild a few hundred feet and setting up camp. They scavenged the area for deadwood and scrub and set up a fire eventually breaking into watches and resting.
The next morning while breaking their fast and waiting for Detheron to finish his morning abulations to Frey, Zoltan climbed a nearby spire to scout. Seeing just more mountains and valleys around us, his keen ears did pick up the faint echoing of some sort of conflict not too far away. The group gathered their bedrolls and moved on. They traveled a short while until they heard angry voices nearby and some sort or arguing. Zoltan and Puck went off from another direction and scouted the site. They saw two carts dumped on their sides, boxes and barrels and bags scattered about. Four dwarves in sturdy traveling clothes and helms were arguing and cursing pointing around wildly. They all looked a bit disheveled and one was pretty wounded. Stone tipped spears were everywhere and the traces of the carts were cut but no animals were seen nearby. Puck went back to report what he saw and Zoltan stayed to keep watch on the 4 party of dwarves.
The group heard from Puck what was going on and they decided (at Gwyn's insistence) to go forward and see if they could help. The group of dwarves came from Cymbarton and were 3 weeks out from the capital city. They were prospecting the Dusty Mountains looking for signs of iron ore for the mineral poor county. The leader, Ungoth Rockholm (the same clan as Gwyn) reported that while coming through here just after breakfast a number of "Thor-damned painted greenskin toothed orcs burst from the very stones themselves and attacked us!" Their ponies were taken, some foodstuffs, two of their number, and numerous boxes with iron samples and maps of their travels. They admitted they were not warriors (don't even have armor) and had basic skill with weaponry, but would like the party to try and get their men back. Orcs took their people/ponies up some trail to a crag overhead.
Zoltan traveled a bit of a distance away and began climbing the 40 degree rough side of the mountain. He went up, up, up - maybe 900' distance, 400' vertically off the ground - until he was able to scout of the orcish area. A shelf of stone with low stacked walls was watched half heartedly by a half dozen feral orcs with crude bows. The dwarves were behind the walls being bound, gagged, and kicked - while the ponies were being abused and hobbled. Another eight or nine orcs were nearby. One of them was wearing some sort of feathered hat. Zoltan came back and the party planned out a rescue. The dwarves came with them (one of them with a xbow, the others with picks and hammers) and the group got into place.
Zoltan caused a swarm of multicolored lights to appear over the orcs' heads which captured their attention and the rest of the group ran forward. Crossbow bolts twanged and the first of the orcish archers were engaged. Ringo finished off the first one and the group marched to battle. More xbows fired and the group was now in melee range (some of them), Fodder and Ringo were tag teaming an orc when the Shaman tried to Hold Animal Ringo - the spell failed. Karis was hacking though the enemy and Gwyn kept popping up for xbow firing. Zoltan's sling kept flaring out whacking orcs left and right.
The Shaman directed his bear to attack but Puck's distraction spell captured their attention for a while, allowing the party to come closer and engage more of the orcs. One of them ran back into the cave to attend to the women and children and the dwarves had finally gotten to melee range, picks and hammer flashing. Detheron tried to get close to Karis and more stones and bolts were fired. Karis took some wounds and even Ringo and Fodder were getting beaten down. Puck took a chance and engaged the ring he had purloined from Kuluk the Terrible almost a month and more ago. It was a battle of wills but Puck's proved to be the stronger and a shaft of sickening black tinged yellow light snaked out and slammed full force into the Shaman who collapsed screaming.
The bear stormed forward and sent the 3 dawrves scattering but Detheron called upon Frey and bent the rampaging bear to his will, pulling the beast's loyalty from the pain wracked shamans. The animal stopped, looked around in confusion, and then began stalking after the shaman who was healing himself. Karis engaged the orcish chieftain next - the brute's stone axe no match for the militant trained Karis and his 6' greatsword. The 3 dwarves ran to Karis' side and tried to help the ogre in driving back the collapsing orcs.
Everytime the shaman stood up, he was hit with either spellbolt or quarrel or stone. Detheron called upon Frey's might and infused Karis with the power of the bull which made the already huge half-ogre swell up even larger. The tide was turned and one by one, the orcish clansmen were taken down and destroyed. Karis gave chase into the cave but the last warrior had led the women and children out of the back of the cave into a pass on the side of the mountain and away from danger.
The two dwarves captured were not dead but needed some attention which Detheron and Ungoth gave them. The ponies were hurt but not killed and there was a look around at what the orcs had. Most of it was crude ogre-sized equipment and stone tools. There were barrels of berries and some sort of dried meat. Detheron made better friends with the bear and the group counted themselves victorious. They helped the dwarves out of the orc's camp and back to their carts where they rehitched up the ponies and reloaded their supplies. The dwarves tried to pay the party for their heroic efforts (totaling up to roughly 45 crowns in various coins) but the group refused (except Zoltan who had actually taken the dwarves' money and had to be convinced to return it - sans about 3 crowns worth of coin he snatched before giving it back). Ungoth and the other miners were ecstatic and the party knew that their deeds this day would not be forgotten when the mining troupe eventually returned to Cymbarton.
The dwarves were told how to get to Orihalcus and were asked if they could lend their ponies to the Greengrocer Coalition while there, which they agreed happily. Expected to spend 3-5 days in Orihalcus and then follow the trade roads home to Cymbarton. The group wished them well and the dwarves and the party parted ways.
And that's where we ended it. A good job everyone and it was a nice show to kick butt as opposed to the trouble we had the prior meeting. We are about 2-3 hours from Fulgore Keep (assuming all goes well) and then we'll see what happens next.
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Meet 10, Adv 3, 12/08/07
The party was going to go to Fulgore Keep but as I've come to notice as a DM, what you plan and what the party does might NOT be the same thing. :)
On a map I gave them of the surrounding land, there are some points of interest OFF the beaten path - one of them mentioned as Fengarth's Tower. It's some long abandoned tower from a wizard that died here during the Ogrewars. Deep enough in the badlands that no one goes there - close enough to interest some wondering PC's.
And the group said they wanted to go.
A good DM is always prepared. So I had this tower made and stocked a while ago - and it is NOT my fault that a party of 3rd level people really shouldn't be poking around the seemingly abandoned tower. It was nice to see them attempt a "dungeon" that was not at all specifically level- tailored for their skills.
Write up follows:
After Thadar's trial and subsequent execution, the party spent the next five weeks working off some of their bond debt and training under various mentors around town. The spring months have grown warmer and the days longer. The first really warm days of 85 and 90 degrees came and there was the Frey Festival, the welcoming of the summer sun - the solstice.
Karis though was called forth by Sheriff Phozarn during his training to answer the charges leveled against him by Clothier Dellia. The Sheriff was apologetic but needed to make sure the cavalier came along for a small court appearance. His mentor, Esquire Nailorgen volunteered to come and speak on Karis' behalf and surprisingly, Sir Slaine's nephew Kalt who has been training with Karis and Nailorgen volunteered to come as well.
Sir Walter was away at Cymbarton, called there for the mid year Council of Lords - a gathering of the heads of households for all the landed gentry in Sedaria - and would be gone for a few weeks. So his wife, the Lady Arian Slaine would be presiding. Some towns or cities have a magistrate to handle disputes and such, but Orihalcus has never had that or the need for one - with Sir Walter and his council serving that function two days a weeks if needed.
This matter with Clothier Dellia was supposedly put to bed eleven days ago when Karis spoke with Sir Walter, confessing to his breach of etiquette and the issue was supposedly exonerated. Clothier Dellia also waited many days to bring this matter - and to do it at a time when Sir Walter was not here seemed rather auspicious.
The party did a bang up job LARPing this out (Karis did himself, Kyle did Nailorgen, Jason did Phozarn, Matt did Dellia, and Mike did Kalt). Dellia was eloquent about her fear over Karis and the "monstrous humans", waxing loud and flustered as she went on about the attack. Nailorgen spoke on Karis' behalf, trying to let the Lady Arian know that this matter was most likely nothing and Karis was contrite. Karis admitted to what had occurred and offered to pay for any damages to the counter if there was some. But Kalt made it his business to sit behind Dellia and took advantage of Lady Arian's inexperience with holding court by commenting often and sarcastically about Karis being "ogre-spawn" continuously. It was when Kalt spoke of his time adventuring and slaying orc and ogre kind that there was a choking amount of disbelief.
Eventually Dellia accepted Karis' apology and his offer for recompense (she spoke much about how her friends and Kalt (who seemed to be more than a friend) advised her that it was best that she try to have Karis' in stocks and lashed - not her idea) and then Karis took off his gauntlet and threw it at Kalt's feet telling him to pick it up or be branded a coward. Kalt laughed it off and made more rude comments - telling Nailorgen that working with the half ogre was untenable and "either he goes or I go". Kalt left Nailorgen's tutelage after that.
The party then spent the next few weeks selling off their gathered treasures, paying for their training, commissioning new armor and weaponry, and renewing their supplies. Detheron's companions look healthier and more robust than they ever did before, definitely larger and stronger. The group then spent some time talking about the adventuring charter and followed some discussion on who would be leader of the group. It came down to Karis and Puck and the group listened to the two of them talk about it - weighing many pros and cons until it was decided that Karis would be signed on as leader. Provision was that he would work to the party's strengths when possible and that he would make sure passionate responses like he did with Clothier Dellia would be a thing of the past. As for an adventuring troupe name, the group bard suggested "the Sundered Chain" - in homage to the party's meeting and grouping as slaves as their origin.
We had a choice then - go to Fulgore Keep and pursue the Lycos Suns and those who had us enslaved - or investigate Fengarth's Tower (a marking on the map given to us by Shriff Phozarn of an abandoned wizard’s tower some half a day away into the badlands). Some good dialogue followed and the group decided (not unanimously) to go investigate Fengarth's. It's only about 4 hours from town and not that far out of the way. If it was beyond our skill, we would leave and go to Fulgore's Keep the following day. We got approval from Sir Walter to go - letting us have 2 days of wiggle room in our bondsmanship to go and investigate the tower - and he even told us that most likely Sheriff Phozarn would come to us to award us more time to go and investigate the slaver encampment at this strange keep when we came back. A few of us went off to ask One Eared Quint for some holy water (as well as make a donation).
Karis was given a note by an eleven year old boy who said "I heard a voice tell me to look under a rock near my house and take the note there to Karis the Ogre-knight from the song". He gave the note to Karis who gave him a silver. Note talked about boxes being sent back and forth from Cymbarton and that one of the boxes had some clothes, a silver hilted sword - and a tabard of Orihalcus. Group deduced from the clues that Kalt must be behind it but the note didn't exactly say. Another answer to the mystery. Group will look more into it later.
Then they went off to the west, travelling over hill through the dangerous wildlands till they came upon Fengarth's tower. Descriptive text followed as:
You've seen the long figure of Fengarth's Tower sticking over the low hills and badlands for the last twenty minutes now, the ancient crumbling tower coming more into view with each valley you've come across, until finally you crest the last hillock and can see the monolith unimpeded.
The tower is made of faded red and brown wide bricks, thin lines of grimy mortar running between them. It sits on the tall grasses heavily, its base seemingly sunk under the loam of the tired earth. Long abandoned and weathered walls mark where stables and other outlying buildings once stood – only the stone foundations and skeletal frames remain now.
The tower itself seems foreboding, stretching well over one hundred feet into the azure sky, its base closer to sixty feet across, its top much more slender. Old scars mar the stone around the shattered doorway, the bricks gouged deeply and heavily stained. Numerous arrowslits dot the tower's perimeter and closer to the top, there seems to be an opened area as if a parapet or walkway.
There is a smell coming from the maw-like entrance, and it rankles your nose with some fetid stench. Something about this tower sets your teeth on edge. Something makes you feel unwelcome.
Carefully the group searched the lower hall which had been consumed by fire long ago. Puck's magical vision let him know that the entire tower has some sort of latent spellwork on it - enough that it infused everything and gave him a bit of a headache.
A central stairs spiraled upward and a closed set of doors on the right side went down into the tower's basement. Basement doors were newer (maybe 10-20 years old) which made the party wonder, was the tower inhabited? As someone said "I doubt any banshee that lives here went to the local carpenter and ordered a door to keep the drafts out of the basement". Puck used his manacles and actually locked the basement door closed by running the chains back and forth through the handles until it was sealed.
The group went upstairs and the eerie sensation continued. Zoltan led the way to a landing and after carefully checking, opened the first door on his left. Candles throughout the room lit under their own power and the party was in some sort of gaming room. A couple of table and some chairs were here and a glass cabinet held various games such as dice, dicing cups, wire puzzles, chess, wolves and jackals, and similar things. Detheron was advised, asked, and begged 2,847 times not to open the cabinet - so he did (chuckle) - took out a set of wolves and jackals, showed the party and put it in his pack. Some nervous laughing followed and Zoltan moved on to the next door.
A circular hall was next, following the wall of the stairs, with some doors on the outer wall. This area was dusty, unlike the gaming room, and in here the group saw a small chamber long abandoned - with a skeletal remains of some humanoid creature who had its neck twisted completely around and hurled with great force against the back corner.
And then the group heard some smashing upstairs.
Frantic whispers followed and the party followed Karis to the 3rd floor landing where he used his sword to open the door to the tower's kitchen which had the following within:
At just under ten feet in height, its pustulant green skin hangs in leprous folds from is muscled form. A scraggly greasy mass of hair hangs over its jutting brows, a tremendous nose sticks out over a torn gash of a mouth filled with a double row of two inch long curved teeth. It is clad in torn scraps of pale blue linen cloth slung across its body, a large leather sack is held in one taloned hand, chunks of some bloody meat within. It is using a cleaver to hack up one of the "meats" which you can now see still has a gnomish foot attached to it. It glares at you with deep black eyes and opens it watering mouth wide.
The cavalier rammed the full length of his sword into the creature's gut and the battle ensued. The monster hurled its cleaver at Zoltan, burying the filthy knife in the thief’s chest and slamming him back to half hit points immediately. Karis had a chunk torn from his skin and eaten by the monster and Puck's flare spell had no effect on the monster. Gwyn charged up the stairs and Karis hacked at the beast who then Flared him! and it was strong. Also, its wounds were healing rapidly and no matter how mightily Karis struck at it - it did nothing but make the monster laugh. It referred to itself as T'Nagrath and showed more spell power by magic missiling Puck in response for the mage's magic missile.
With their blows not doing anything real to the party and only a few minutes of combat having Puck, Zoltan, and Karis at half hit points or worse, the call to retreat was given and the group ran. Karis slammed the door closed and the group went to the entrance hall - readying oil and fire spells. The monster lumbered down after them and then oil was hurled and Puck fired off a burning hands spell and the monster went up like a candle.
It continued to laugh while ON FIRE and stalked forwards still - yelling at the group to come back and fight it. That was the last straw and the party ran outside. A last flask of oil had been poured on the floor outside and while the creature followed us - it ignited the pool. Like a living wave of fire - it stalked outside the tower still following us. And then the fire guttered low unnaturally fast and its charred and blackened form wreathed in smoke gave chase. The blacked layer of flesh fell away and the monster seemed entirely unharmed.
It laughed at our retreating back and chuckling returned to the tower.
It was at that moment that the group said that maybe Fengarth's Tower was not a good idea for us to investigate and we should move on to Fulgore's Keep.
We ended it here. Party had a great time and like Gwyn said "if you set something on fire and it laughs at you and keeps coming - you can't fight it!". Wise words from the dwarf who said we shouldn't be going to the Tower in the first place. ;)
On a map I gave them of the surrounding land, there are some points of interest OFF the beaten path - one of them mentioned as Fengarth's Tower. It's some long abandoned tower from a wizard that died here during the Ogrewars. Deep enough in the badlands that no one goes there - close enough to interest some wondering PC's.
And the group said they wanted to go.
A good DM is always prepared. So I had this tower made and stocked a while ago - and it is NOT my fault that a party of 3rd level people really shouldn't be poking around the seemingly abandoned tower. It was nice to see them attempt a "dungeon" that was not at all specifically level- tailored for their skills.
Write up follows:
After Thadar's trial and subsequent execution, the party spent the next five weeks working off some of their bond debt and training under various mentors around town. The spring months have grown warmer and the days longer. The first really warm days of 85 and 90 degrees came and there was the Frey Festival, the welcoming of the summer sun - the solstice.
Karis though was called forth by Sheriff Phozarn during his training to answer the charges leveled against him by Clothier Dellia. The Sheriff was apologetic but needed to make sure the cavalier came along for a small court appearance. His mentor, Esquire Nailorgen volunteered to come and speak on Karis' behalf and surprisingly, Sir Slaine's nephew Kalt who has been training with Karis and Nailorgen volunteered to come as well.
Sir Walter was away at Cymbarton, called there for the mid year Council of Lords - a gathering of the heads of households for all the landed gentry in Sedaria - and would be gone for a few weeks. So his wife, the Lady Arian Slaine would be presiding. Some towns or cities have a magistrate to handle disputes and such, but Orihalcus has never had that or the need for one - with Sir Walter and his council serving that function two days a weeks if needed.
This matter with Clothier Dellia was supposedly put to bed eleven days ago when Karis spoke with Sir Walter, confessing to his breach of etiquette and the issue was supposedly exonerated. Clothier Dellia also waited many days to bring this matter - and to do it at a time when Sir Walter was not here seemed rather auspicious.
The party did a bang up job LARPing this out (Karis did himself, Kyle did Nailorgen, Jason did Phozarn, Matt did Dellia, and Mike did Kalt). Dellia was eloquent about her fear over Karis and the "monstrous humans", waxing loud and flustered as she went on about the attack. Nailorgen spoke on Karis' behalf, trying to let the Lady Arian know that this matter was most likely nothing and Karis was contrite. Karis admitted to what had occurred and offered to pay for any damages to the counter if there was some. But Kalt made it his business to sit behind Dellia and took advantage of Lady Arian's inexperience with holding court by commenting often and sarcastically about Karis being "ogre-spawn" continuously. It was when Kalt spoke of his time adventuring and slaying orc and ogre kind that there was a choking amount of disbelief.
Eventually Dellia accepted Karis' apology and his offer for recompense (she spoke much about how her friends and Kalt (who seemed to be more than a friend) advised her that it was best that she try to have Karis' in stocks and lashed - not her idea) and then Karis took off his gauntlet and threw it at Kalt's feet telling him to pick it up or be branded a coward. Kalt laughed it off and made more rude comments - telling Nailorgen that working with the half ogre was untenable and "either he goes or I go". Kalt left Nailorgen's tutelage after that.
The party then spent the next few weeks selling off their gathered treasures, paying for their training, commissioning new armor and weaponry, and renewing their supplies. Detheron's companions look healthier and more robust than they ever did before, definitely larger and stronger. The group then spent some time talking about the adventuring charter and followed some discussion on who would be leader of the group. It came down to Karis and Puck and the group listened to the two of them talk about it - weighing many pros and cons until it was decided that Karis would be signed on as leader. Provision was that he would work to the party's strengths when possible and that he would make sure passionate responses like he did with Clothier Dellia would be a thing of the past. As for an adventuring troupe name, the group bard suggested "the Sundered Chain" - in homage to the party's meeting and grouping as slaves as their origin.
We had a choice then - go to Fulgore Keep and pursue the Lycos Suns and those who had us enslaved - or investigate Fengarth's Tower (a marking on the map given to us by Shriff Phozarn of an abandoned wizard’s tower some half a day away into the badlands). Some good dialogue followed and the group decided (not unanimously) to go investigate Fengarth's. It's only about 4 hours from town and not that far out of the way. If it was beyond our skill, we would leave and go to Fulgore's Keep the following day. We got approval from Sir Walter to go - letting us have 2 days of wiggle room in our bondsmanship to go and investigate the tower - and he even told us that most likely Sheriff Phozarn would come to us to award us more time to go and investigate the slaver encampment at this strange keep when we came back. A few of us went off to ask One Eared Quint for some holy water (as well as make a donation).
Karis was given a note by an eleven year old boy who said "I heard a voice tell me to look under a rock near my house and take the note there to Karis the Ogre-knight from the song". He gave the note to Karis who gave him a silver. Note talked about boxes being sent back and forth from Cymbarton and that one of the boxes had some clothes, a silver hilted sword - and a tabard of Orihalcus. Group deduced from the clues that Kalt must be behind it but the note didn't exactly say. Another answer to the mystery. Group will look more into it later.
Then they went off to the west, travelling over hill through the dangerous wildlands till they came upon Fengarth's tower. Descriptive text followed as:
You've seen the long figure of Fengarth's Tower sticking over the low hills and badlands for the last twenty minutes now, the ancient crumbling tower coming more into view with each valley you've come across, until finally you crest the last hillock and can see the monolith unimpeded.
The tower is made of faded red and brown wide bricks, thin lines of grimy mortar running between them. It sits on the tall grasses heavily, its base seemingly sunk under the loam of the tired earth. Long abandoned and weathered walls mark where stables and other outlying buildings once stood – only the stone foundations and skeletal frames remain now.
The tower itself seems foreboding, stretching well over one hundred feet into the azure sky, its base closer to sixty feet across, its top much more slender. Old scars mar the stone around the shattered doorway, the bricks gouged deeply and heavily stained. Numerous arrowslits dot the tower's perimeter and closer to the top, there seems to be an opened area as if a parapet or walkway.
There is a smell coming from the maw-like entrance, and it rankles your nose with some fetid stench. Something about this tower sets your teeth on edge. Something makes you feel unwelcome.
Carefully the group searched the lower hall which had been consumed by fire long ago. Puck's magical vision let him know that the entire tower has some sort of latent spellwork on it - enough that it infused everything and gave him a bit of a headache.
A central stairs spiraled upward and a closed set of doors on the right side went down into the tower's basement. Basement doors were newer (maybe 10-20 years old) which made the party wonder, was the tower inhabited? As someone said "I doubt any banshee that lives here went to the local carpenter and ordered a door to keep the drafts out of the basement". Puck used his manacles and actually locked the basement door closed by running the chains back and forth through the handles until it was sealed.
The group went upstairs and the eerie sensation continued. Zoltan led the way to a landing and after carefully checking, opened the first door on his left. Candles throughout the room lit under their own power and the party was in some sort of gaming room. A couple of table and some chairs were here and a glass cabinet held various games such as dice, dicing cups, wire puzzles, chess, wolves and jackals, and similar things. Detheron was advised, asked, and begged 2,847 times not to open the cabinet - so he did (chuckle) - took out a set of wolves and jackals, showed the party and put it in his pack. Some nervous laughing followed and Zoltan moved on to the next door.
A circular hall was next, following the wall of the stairs, with some doors on the outer wall. This area was dusty, unlike the gaming room, and in here the group saw a small chamber long abandoned - with a skeletal remains of some humanoid creature who had its neck twisted completely around and hurled with great force against the back corner.
And then the group heard some smashing upstairs.
Frantic whispers followed and the party followed Karis to the 3rd floor landing where he used his sword to open the door to the tower's kitchen which had the following within:
At just under ten feet in height, its pustulant green skin hangs in leprous folds from is muscled form. A scraggly greasy mass of hair hangs over its jutting brows, a tremendous nose sticks out over a torn gash of a mouth filled with a double row of two inch long curved teeth. It is clad in torn scraps of pale blue linen cloth slung across its body, a large leather sack is held in one taloned hand, chunks of some bloody meat within. It is using a cleaver to hack up one of the "meats" which you can now see still has a gnomish foot attached to it. It glares at you with deep black eyes and opens it watering mouth wide.
The cavalier rammed the full length of his sword into the creature's gut and the battle ensued. The monster hurled its cleaver at Zoltan, burying the filthy knife in the thief’s chest and slamming him back to half hit points immediately. Karis had a chunk torn from his skin and eaten by the monster and Puck's flare spell had no effect on the monster. Gwyn charged up the stairs and Karis hacked at the beast who then Flared him! and it was strong. Also, its wounds were healing rapidly and no matter how mightily Karis struck at it - it did nothing but make the monster laugh. It referred to itself as T'Nagrath and showed more spell power by magic missiling Puck in response for the mage's magic missile.
With their blows not doing anything real to the party and only a few minutes of combat having Puck, Zoltan, and Karis at half hit points or worse, the call to retreat was given and the group ran. Karis slammed the door closed and the group went to the entrance hall - readying oil and fire spells. The monster lumbered down after them and then oil was hurled and Puck fired off a burning hands spell and the monster went up like a candle.
It continued to laugh while ON FIRE and stalked forwards still - yelling at the group to come back and fight it. That was the last straw and the party ran outside. A last flask of oil had been poured on the floor outside and while the creature followed us - it ignited the pool. Like a living wave of fire - it stalked outside the tower still following us. And then the fire guttered low unnaturally fast and its charred and blackened form wreathed in smoke gave chase. The blacked layer of flesh fell away and the monster seemed entirely unharmed.
It laughed at our retreating back and chuckling returned to the tower.
It was at that moment that the group said that maybe Fengarth's Tower was not a good idea for us to investigate and we should move on to Fulgore's Keep.
We ended it here. Party had a great time and like Gwyn said "if you set something on fire and it laughs at you and keeps coming - you can't fight it!". Wise words from the dwarf who said we shouldn't be going to the Tower in the first place. ;)
Addon, Adv 2, Journal 2
One of the damning bits of evidence used against Thadar was the acquisition of his journal from the K'Tharkian Homewarren where the ex-slaver was being kept. It was used in conjunction with Krendal's journal (the 1st one they found) to fill in some of the missing information as well as round out some of the Lycos Suns and the group's purpose for being captured.
It follows here:
Plant 1st, 174
Received another “gather request”, once more Djohrgahd acting as intermediary for his boss. 14 finals. No papers. Beaten but unbroken. Drifters or loners. Pull them from Dilabria Barony. I hate working up here, but I can’t work near home. After the run, I’ll stop back home and see Gregor and Hani. I miss them so much.
This is the 4th one in the last year and a half. First time in the double digits. Gonna need to muster a number of freelance guildies to do this right. And I have to allow for spoilage on the way. Delivery is due on the 20th. Payment is one sixth now, remainder on completion.
I ordered the roustabouts to gather 25 if possible and gave them one week.
Plant 3rd, 174
Mustered some local guildies who don’t mind working “gray”. Lycos Suns are registered and chartered, but some requests, such as these, can’t be listed. Better off splitting this into three plus one – just to make sure there is no issue. Some of the toughs like to beat more than goad – and I can’t have a team master with a heavy hand. I’ll cart any women off to Principia for brothel training and then sell them to the pirates. Going to have Iohanas and Gorst run two of the teams, they should have a pile of people they like to pick from.
For myself, I’ll take the most difficult of the bunch of the product. Going to have Krendal, Ostal, and Gumrid ride with me. Ostal’s patient and a good teamster, Krendal’s a bit of a hot head but a mage is always welcome, and Gumrid’s been my right hand since before Hani was born.
Told them about it today and tried to downplay the difficulties. Again someone brought up hiring a ranger but since Delarrin’s demise, no king’s man can be trusted anymore to run wilderness stock with us.
Plant 5th, 174
Parsed out coins and the boys scattered. Gambling debts, women, booze. I don’t think any of them have any family they care about except for Gumrid and I. I went to the bank and had a letter of credit drawn up. Sending it to Gregor and Hani’s mom via postal carrier. The money will keep them off the fields for another season and keep them in school. Gregor’s lettering is painful to read, but I am proud as any peacock when I get a post from him.
Plant 7th, 174
Roustabouts have come back to me and there is 28. None papered, none broken. As usual there was cries and denials and threats. Had one of them taken out and whipped to death as an example. Stripped the goods off all the others. Anything that had an identifier on it I’m going to wait for the fences, everything else I’m having sold off straight away.
Could really use some wagons.
Asked two of my men to scout the roads. Northedge to Dragonhole to Dilabria to Broken Hill. From there we’ll go overland to Fulgore Keep and the stock will be transferred at that time.
Castellan is going to charge extra for this, I just know it. Djohr is battier than Loki’s left nut if he thinks I’m going to absorb those sort of costs. He’ll square up for sure.
Plant 8th, 174
This is why I tell my roustabouts to use fingerlocks on any stock that bears question on arcanic skill. One of them cast some dweomer on my team, forcing Gumrid and I to arrow the fool. Damn it. I know arcanists are usually sought after. This is going to suck.
I told the team that there would be an early delivery bonus if we could get the stock there before the 20th, which I know is going to keep the gratuitous beating and screwing down to as much of a minimum as possible.
I hate this. I hate doing this. Eleven years and I can’t grow a taste for it. I tell my wife I’m in caravanning so she doesn’t get embarrassed of her husband. My son and daughter think I drive cattle. My father has no idea what it is I do, just that I make a good living doing it.
Their pride shames me.
I enslave and sell people…and I hate myself for it.
If only I wasn’t so good at my job.
Plant 9th, 174
Scouts have returned and informed us that the new count has his bailiffs and dragoons working the area around Dilabria. I am sure they have no knowledge of me, most likely there to check on the Baron’s accounts and review the peace – but I cannot take the chance to travel that way.
That means I have to plot overland, and that means that as I expected would happen, we’ll have to chance going through Kuluk the Terrible’s demesne. The Lycos Suns have been failing to make passage payments to the K’Tharkian warlord, mainly because we haven’t felt the need to. His group is small and I am sure that if we can get past Hooded Mountain, we can avoid the bulk of his patrols.
I don’t like the reptilian bastard. He’s too chummy with Fulgore Keep and the last thing the Guild can afford is the Keep having connections with uncontrolled bodies of interest outside the guild.
Plant 10th, 174
Making ok time now. Have to drive the stock overland for a bit. We have a wagon camp outside of Dragonhole, almost 4 miles south and west. A few grass runner elves have come close to it, but we’ve got it disguised as a gypsy encampment so they’ve left us alone.
I have my eye on the Half-Ogre so far as being under my direct observation. He’s patient, cunning, and even in rags, has some sort of air about him. As if he’s above all this. Fencers couldn’t sell his shield, to identifiable. Might be able to pawn it in Fulgore. We’ll see.
Plant 11th, 174
Lost Florin this morning. Sweet Thor, that could have been me. One of the stock got a hold of a camp knife and as we we’re walking by, leapt up and stabbed him in the gut, up under the ribs. I swear he choked on his own burst heart.
The wolfkins were commanded to attack and the stock was dispatched. I let the dogs eat the body slowly in front of the other slaves, reminding them that they mattered nothing to me. Got a seriously bad vibe from another one, unshaven bastard that glared knives at me at the way the animals were being treated as well as used. My 2 commons pegs him for a druid. Going to make sure he stays with me when we get wagons. I had him yoked and bound at the line head, and lined up the other stock behind him.
It’s going to slow us down, but a day of forced march while chained and clad will remind them that slaves don’t do anything outside of what we let them do again.
Plant 12th, 174
One of the mage’s died – the one we shot. Another one, and older man about 50 passed on as well, I think he was a holy man or some such. One more was feigning it – made me think he was a monastic. I had Iohanas spear the faker repeatedly to set the tone for the rest of today’s march.
I know it’s not good form, but the stock needs to be educated faster than they are learning.
Plant 13th, 174
There’s at least another mage in the batch. Scrawny looking one, always fidgeting with his fingers. I had his manacles changed to fingerlocks and the roustabouts were quizzed, but none remember a grimoire on this one, just a knife. I took no chances and I’ve moved him around the gang until he was near the front where I could keep and eye on him.
Deep in the wild now, must be over the border to Umbaria by now or at least by tomorrow.
Plant 14th, 174
Morale is low and as I expected the beaters are making more of an effort to beat the stock. Had to assign a few of the team to picket duty even though I know there is no one out here to be wary against.
I hope my children are ok. I miss them.
We should be at the wagon camp by tomorrow.
Plant 15th, 174
Finally made it. We split the groups up into 3 sets of 6. I took the half-ogre, the grizzled looking animal lover, and the scrag who I’ve kept in fingerlocks that might be an arcanist. In addition Gumrid asked to take some fob with a big nose who was rattling his chains to get out and spent a good 3 minutes going at with a prod stick. Rounded it out with one of the three stunties and some swarthy looking foreigner who in my opinion probably knifed his mother for a loaf of bread.
We loaded all the wagons with enough food, clothing, trade goods, and what treasures and raw coin I could safely move without raising eyebrows and what personal effects my fencers couldn’t move in Dragonhole.
And then it was load the stock, lock the bars, and off we go. 5 days left to get the stock to Fulgore Keep. Even though I’m sure Kuluk is pissed at us, I’m going to take the ancient Dwarven Traderoads and chance going through their territory. It’ll save us at least a day.
Plant 16th, 174
Making good time. Stock is holding up. They’re talking to each other a bit, as if we can’t listen. That’s fine, let them talk and plot. Won’t matter much in 4 days or less. After that it’s out of my hands and their fate moves on.
Plant 17th, 174
We are into the foothills of the Dusty Mountains now – 3 days to get there – should be there in two. Only thing that ever makes me nervous is how close the traderoad comes to Orihalcus. Guild has no friendlies there but neither does the new Count bother with posting representatives there. I wouldn’t mind stopping off at the Blue and Dancing Minepick for a plate of pickled beets and a cool jack of Kvass, but it’ll have to wait for the return trip for now.
Plant 18th, 174
I write this now as if it might be the last thing I ever write. The rains came, spring floods in the mountains. Oxen team slipped off the roadbed and we fell down the side of the mountain into a ravine. A MOUNTAIN! Sweet Thor! Ostal is dead. He was thrown from the driver’s seat, head bashed on the rocks. The three of us were wounded badly, stock seemed dead. Krendal was coughing blood. We took what we could and left the wagon behind. I don’t think the other two teams even know we were lost behind them.
Took refuge in a cave, K’Tharkian fetish marking along the outside. Orihalcan and Fulgore garbage was within. We rested at a cistern, Krendal didn’t wake up. 3 K’Tharkian’s found us, summoned more. We were taken to a subchief named G’Shnak. Don’t know this one, but I have heard Kraygel’s name mentioned – one of Kuluk’s cronies. Decided to play stupid and be friendly with the K’Tharkian’s. Dice and coins and jokes have kept them friendly so far.
G’Shnak is going to talk to Kraygel tomorrow.
Have a bad feeling about this.
Plant 19th, 174
Gumrid and I have been moved on now to someone named Flatarn – ugly axe wielding brute. Prick took my hat. We waited here while Kraygel had us cooling our heels. At day’s end we were brought to Kraygel where he immediately let us know that we have been late on our payments. Now I know the reptilian prick went back to Kuluk and found out the truth.
I offered him our bounty so far, trying to buy some time. This Kraygel seems like a moron – I know he’s going to skim a pile off the top. Hope he decides to let us go. Merciful Odin, I just want to see my children one last time.
Please.
Plant 20th, 174
Kraygel was killed a short while ago. Gumrid and I are prisoners of almost twenty-five K’Tharkian’s being taken back to Kuluk’s main camp as per the subchief’s last order. Wouldn’t you believe it, but the damned stock wasn’t dead! In fact they were outfitted in the most ridiculous pile of scavenged weaponry and were fighting the K’Tharkian’s! Killed Kraygel dead, and from the way they fought – I am happy we were spirited out of there.
Amazing. They weren’t dead. I would have never believed it. Had a wounded bugbear with them, ugly blighter. Thought the K’Tharkian’s had finished wiping the local ones out? Guess not.
Hope that I can get Kuluk to understand this was a mistake and let us go. Should be there tomorrow.
Plant 21st, 174
Did not go well. Kuluk wants more than I have to make up for “back payment”. It seems that Kuluk has had at least one if not more audiences with the Castellan – which I know is going to be troublesome for the guild to know.
Plant 24th, 174
Gumrid is being sent back to Fulgore Keep to talk to the Guildmasters about garnering more payment. I am to stay here to make sure they pay. I gave Gumrid a fierce hug and strong words, but in my heart I know the Lycos Suns will not pay.
I will never see my family again.
Plant 29th, 174
One of the guards has seen me write in my journal and is going to talk to the shaman to see if he should take it from me. The reek of boars and bugs is almost sickening.
I accept what I have done for years as being evil and now the skein of the Norns is laid out for me to pay for my crimes. There will be no valkyries for me. I will not sit in Heorot. I will not see Asgard.
Just don’t let my shame be passed on to my children. Do you hear me gods!? Do not blame the children for the crimes of the father.
I beg of you.
The shaman comes now and he appears angry.
It follows here:
Plant 1st, 174
Received another “gather request”, once more Djohrgahd acting as intermediary for his boss. 14 finals. No papers. Beaten but unbroken. Drifters or loners. Pull them from Dilabria Barony. I hate working up here, but I can’t work near home. After the run, I’ll stop back home and see Gregor and Hani. I miss them so much.
This is the 4th one in the last year and a half. First time in the double digits. Gonna need to muster a number of freelance guildies to do this right. And I have to allow for spoilage on the way. Delivery is due on the 20th. Payment is one sixth now, remainder on completion.
I ordered the roustabouts to gather 25 if possible and gave them one week.
Plant 3rd, 174
Mustered some local guildies who don’t mind working “gray”. Lycos Suns are registered and chartered, but some requests, such as these, can’t be listed. Better off splitting this into three plus one – just to make sure there is no issue. Some of the toughs like to beat more than goad – and I can’t have a team master with a heavy hand. I’ll cart any women off to Principia for brothel training and then sell them to the pirates. Going to have Iohanas and Gorst run two of the teams, they should have a pile of people they like to pick from.
For myself, I’ll take the most difficult of the bunch of the product. Going to have Krendal, Ostal, and Gumrid ride with me. Ostal’s patient and a good teamster, Krendal’s a bit of a hot head but a mage is always welcome, and Gumrid’s been my right hand since before Hani was born.
Told them about it today and tried to downplay the difficulties. Again someone brought up hiring a ranger but since Delarrin’s demise, no king’s man can be trusted anymore to run wilderness stock with us.
Plant 5th, 174
Parsed out coins and the boys scattered. Gambling debts, women, booze. I don’t think any of them have any family they care about except for Gumrid and I. I went to the bank and had a letter of credit drawn up. Sending it to Gregor and Hani’s mom via postal carrier. The money will keep them off the fields for another season and keep them in school. Gregor’s lettering is painful to read, but I am proud as any peacock when I get a post from him.
Plant 7th, 174
Roustabouts have come back to me and there is 28. None papered, none broken. As usual there was cries and denials and threats. Had one of them taken out and whipped to death as an example. Stripped the goods off all the others. Anything that had an identifier on it I’m going to wait for the fences, everything else I’m having sold off straight away.
Could really use some wagons.
Asked two of my men to scout the roads. Northedge to Dragonhole to Dilabria to Broken Hill. From there we’ll go overland to Fulgore Keep and the stock will be transferred at that time.
Castellan is going to charge extra for this, I just know it. Djohr is battier than Loki’s left nut if he thinks I’m going to absorb those sort of costs. He’ll square up for sure.
Plant 8th, 174
This is why I tell my roustabouts to use fingerlocks on any stock that bears question on arcanic skill. One of them cast some dweomer on my team, forcing Gumrid and I to arrow the fool. Damn it. I know arcanists are usually sought after. This is going to suck.
I told the team that there would be an early delivery bonus if we could get the stock there before the 20th, which I know is going to keep the gratuitous beating and screwing down to as much of a minimum as possible.
I hate this. I hate doing this. Eleven years and I can’t grow a taste for it. I tell my wife I’m in caravanning so she doesn’t get embarrassed of her husband. My son and daughter think I drive cattle. My father has no idea what it is I do, just that I make a good living doing it.
Their pride shames me.
I enslave and sell people…and I hate myself for it.
If only I wasn’t so good at my job.
Plant 9th, 174
Scouts have returned and informed us that the new count has his bailiffs and dragoons working the area around Dilabria. I am sure they have no knowledge of me, most likely there to check on the Baron’s accounts and review the peace – but I cannot take the chance to travel that way.
That means I have to plot overland, and that means that as I expected would happen, we’ll have to chance going through Kuluk the Terrible’s demesne. The Lycos Suns have been failing to make passage payments to the K’Tharkian warlord, mainly because we haven’t felt the need to. His group is small and I am sure that if we can get past Hooded Mountain, we can avoid the bulk of his patrols.
I don’t like the reptilian bastard. He’s too chummy with Fulgore Keep and the last thing the Guild can afford is the Keep having connections with uncontrolled bodies of interest outside the guild.
Plant 10th, 174
Making ok time now. Have to drive the stock overland for a bit. We have a wagon camp outside of Dragonhole, almost 4 miles south and west. A few grass runner elves have come close to it, but we’ve got it disguised as a gypsy encampment so they’ve left us alone.
I have my eye on the Half-Ogre so far as being under my direct observation. He’s patient, cunning, and even in rags, has some sort of air about him. As if he’s above all this. Fencers couldn’t sell his shield, to identifiable. Might be able to pawn it in Fulgore. We’ll see.
Plant 11th, 174
Lost Florin this morning. Sweet Thor, that could have been me. One of the stock got a hold of a camp knife and as we we’re walking by, leapt up and stabbed him in the gut, up under the ribs. I swear he choked on his own burst heart.
The wolfkins were commanded to attack and the stock was dispatched. I let the dogs eat the body slowly in front of the other slaves, reminding them that they mattered nothing to me. Got a seriously bad vibe from another one, unshaven bastard that glared knives at me at the way the animals were being treated as well as used. My 2 commons pegs him for a druid. Going to make sure he stays with me when we get wagons. I had him yoked and bound at the line head, and lined up the other stock behind him.
It’s going to slow us down, but a day of forced march while chained and clad will remind them that slaves don’t do anything outside of what we let them do again.
Plant 12th, 174
One of the mage’s died – the one we shot. Another one, and older man about 50 passed on as well, I think he was a holy man or some such. One more was feigning it – made me think he was a monastic. I had Iohanas spear the faker repeatedly to set the tone for the rest of today’s march.
I know it’s not good form, but the stock needs to be educated faster than they are learning.
Plant 13th, 174
There’s at least another mage in the batch. Scrawny looking one, always fidgeting with his fingers. I had his manacles changed to fingerlocks and the roustabouts were quizzed, but none remember a grimoire on this one, just a knife. I took no chances and I’ve moved him around the gang until he was near the front where I could keep and eye on him.
Deep in the wild now, must be over the border to Umbaria by now or at least by tomorrow.
Plant 14th, 174
Morale is low and as I expected the beaters are making more of an effort to beat the stock. Had to assign a few of the team to picket duty even though I know there is no one out here to be wary against.
I hope my children are ok. I miss them.
We should be at the wagon camp by tomorrow.
Plant 15th, 174
Finally made it. We split the groups up into 3 sets of 6. I took the half-ogre, the grizzled looking animal lover, and the scrag who I’ve kept in fingerlocks that might be an arcanist. In addition Gumrid asked to take some fob with a big nose who was rattling his chains to get out and spent a good 3 minutes going at with a prod stick. Rounded it out with one of the three stunties and some swarthy looking foreigner who in my opinion probably knifed his mother for a loaf of bread.
We loaded all the wagons with enough food, clothing, trade goods, and what treasures and raw coin I could safely move without raising eyebrows and what personal effects my fencers couldn’t move in Dragonhole.
And then it was load the stock, lock the bars, and off we go. 5 days left to get the stock to Fulgore Keep. Even though I’m sure Kuluk is pissed at us, I’m going to take the ancient Dwarven Traderoads and chance going through their territory. It’ll save us at least a day.
Plant 16th, 174
Making good time. Stock is holding up. They’re talking to each other a bit, as if we can’t listen. That’s fine, let them talk and plot. Won’t matter much in 4 days or less. After that it’s out of my hands and their fate moves on.
Plant 17th, 174
We are into the foothills of the Dusty Mountains now – 3 days to get there – should be there in two. Only thing that ever makes me nervous is how close the traderoad comes to Orihalcus. Guild has no friendlies there but neither does the new Count bother with posting representatives there. I wouldn’t mind stopping off at the Blue and Dancing Minepick for a plate of pickled beets and a cool jack of Kvass, but it’ll have to wait for the return trip for now.
Plant 18th, 174
I write this now as if it might be the last thing I ever write. The rains came, spring floods in the mountains. Oxen team slipped off the roadbed and we fell down the side of the mountain into a ravine. A MOUNTAIN! Sweet Thor! Ostal is dead. He was thrown from the driver’s seat, head bashed on the rocks. The three of us were wounded badly, stock seemed dead. Krendal was coughing blood. We took what we could and left the wagon behind. I don’t think the other two teams even know we were lost behind them.
Took refuge in a cave, K’Tharkian fetish marking along the outside. Orihalcan and Fulgore garbage was within. We rested at a cistern, Krendal didn’t wake up. 3 K’Tharkian’s found us, summoned more. We were taken to a subchief named G’Shnak. Don’t know this one, but I have heard Kraygel’s name mentioned – one of Kuluk’s cronies. Decided to play stupid and be friendly with the K’Tharkian’s. Dice and coins and jokes have kept them friendly so far.
G’Shnak is going to talk to Kraygel tomorrow.
Have a bad feeling about this.
Plant 19th, 174
Gumrid and I have been moved on now to someone named Flatarn – ugly axe wielding brute. Prick took my hat. We waited here while Kraygel had us cooling our heels. At day’s end we were brought to Kraygel where he immediately let us know that we have been late on our payments. Now I know the reptilian prick went back to Kuluk and found out the truth.
I offered him our bounty so far, trying to buy some time. This Kraygel seems like a moron – I know he’s going to skim a pile off the top. Hope he decides to let us go. Merciful Odin, I just want to see my children one last time.
Please.
Plant 20th, 174
Kraygel was killed a short while ago. Gumrid and I are prisoners of almost twenty-five K’Tharkian’s being taken back to Kuluk’s main camp as per the subchief’s last order. Wouldn’t you believe it, but the damned stock wasn’t dead! In fact they were outfitted in the most ridiculous pile of scavenged weaponry and were fighting the K’Tharkian’s! Killed Kraygel dead, and from the way they fought – I am happy we were spirited out of there.
Amazing. They weren’t dead. I would have never believed it. Had a wounded bugbear with them, ugly blighter. Thought the K’Tharkian’s had finished wiping the local ones out? Guess not.
Hope that I can get Kuluk to understand this was a mistake and let us go. Should be there tomorrow.
Plant 21st, 174
Did not go well. Kuluk wants more than I have to make up for “back payment”. It seems that Kuluk has had at least one if not more audiences with the Castellan – which I know is going to be troublesome for the guild to know.
Plant 24th, 174
Gumrid is being sent back to Fulgore Keep to talk to the Guildmasters about garnering more payment. I am to stay here to make sure they pay. I gave Gumrid a fierce hug and strong words, but in my heart I know the Lycos Suns will not pay.
I will never see my family again.
Plant 29th, 174
One of the guards has seen me write in my journal and is going to talk to the shaman to see if he should take it from me. The reek of boars and bugs is almost sickening.
I accept what I have done for years as being evil and now the skein of the Norns is laid out for me to pay for my crimes. There will be no valkyries for me. I will not sit in Heorot. I will not see Asgard.
Just don’t let my shame be passed on to my children. Do you hear me gods!? Do not blame the children for the crimes of the father.
I beg of you.
The shaman comes now and he appears angry.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Meet 9, Adv 2, 12/1/07
We took off for the Thanksgiving break and rolled back into playing. This was a Larping night - and I had written up the two characters the party was going to play - forcing them to shift gears for a change. My experienced guy was not here this night, so I gave the two LARP characters to two of the others - and they did a really good job.
It was a bit weird to talk with Thadar afterwards and know he was going to be dead the next morning - as the party was getting used to killing without consequences - and here was this family guy with two kids and he was also a horrible slaver.
Write up follows:
The party spent many hours going over the found treasures looted from the K'Tharkian Homewarren, counting and cataloging the riches and gathered goods until it was decided that we would divide it amongst the three representatives: 1) The party, 2) The Orihalcan Dwarves, and the 3) Drywood Clan Bugbears. Some grumblings over the fact that there WAS no fight and division of the treasures followed, with the dwarven contingent voicing most of the difficulty.
The group split the goods as best as possible, foregoing any of the "extras" and leftovers for the dwarves and bugbears in the interests of keeping the peace. At the end of things, Altern Lamatous opted to donate a portion of the treasure to the party for thanking them for this and their efforts. There was numerous mining equipment left over by the K'Tharkian's which the party snubbed into the Orihalcans’ faces by demanding they split the tools by a factor of 3 as well. The bugbears took the picks and shovels and bars and what not - the party left their portion there. There was also an attempt to guilt the dwarves in dividing the mine's output by 3 but it fell flat and that line of pursuit was abandoned.
Roughly 40 of the dwarves stayed behind - knowing there was lots of work to do to get the mine ready for proper use and exploitation - most of them Mountain dwarves. The bugbears left after having some words with the party about potentially moving their encampment elsewhere. The group talked to the dwarves on the walk back to town, getting some of their view of things and some insight on the inner workings of Orihalcus.
At the city the group was greeted by Sir Slaine and a gathered troupe of the populace. We were attributed for ending the K'Tharkian threat and named as Sons of Orihalcus. (Hooray - local fame!) We were informed that Representative Carmon from the Slavers guild had arrived and had a short 10 minute conversation with Thadar before the slaver was returned to his cell. At the trial scheduled for 8 the next morning, we were told that only 1 of us would be allowed in as prosecutor and we would be also allowed one other of us as a witness. With the great interest in this case, Sir Walter and mostly Sheriff Phozarn Trueblade wants to keep this from becoming a dog and pony show.
We went back to our flophouse and spent the rest of the night going over our case; looking at all the journals we had gathered, notes, time frames, everything we could use to strike out against Thadar. Puck went off to Clothier Dellia to try to talk with her and order some clothing and Karis went to speak with Sheriff Phozarn to discuss Thadar and if anything was found on him (we were given a bronze hand stamped wolf's head on a copper chain).
I then assigned Kyle the stats and background on Rep Carmon and I assigned Matt the stats and background on Sir Walter Slaine - and we began the trial (I played Thadar). LARPing began.
We had the trial and Rep Carmon was doing a decent job dispelling enough of the proof against Thadar and Sir Walter kept the peace (while still supporting the group..."Karis! (he barked after the half ogre began lambasting Thadar) I want you to continue!" which got lots of laughs) but what hung Thadar mostly was the link between his children and the journals - and his mounting franticness to get a hold of his son's missives. He confessed his guilt to Representative Carmon who dropped Thadar's case in disgust and the slaver was consigned to death by hanging the following morning.
That night the party was asked by Thadar to come to him at his last meal. He spoke of his family and children and Karis promised to fulfill Thadar's last request to bring back his wolf head necklace to his kids and tell them NOT of what he did for a living - just that he died loving them all.
He gave the party a rough map and directions on how to get to Fulgore Keep, where he was supposed to bring the slaves. About 20 freelance slaver troupes lease space outside the mountain Keep to meet up away from the peering eyes of the Count and his Dragoons. The greater slavers guild does not know of this arrangement. The leader of the Lycos Suns , the troupe that Thadar is a part of, is a man named Vanir. The person who runs the Keep is someone referred to as the Castellan.
The slaver encampment is like a rolling convention and is fairly easy to get into as only those who know where it is should be able to find it.. . Pretty informal, party should be able to get in and out without trouble assuming they don't act stupid. Mentioned the Keep itself is closed to slavers who rent the grounds around it. Only high ranking Guild members talk to the Castellan and Keep is off limits to lower members.
Thadar was killed the next morning and we all went to the hanging. We then quickly went through the xp and leveling details, getting ourselves ready for 3rd level.
And that's where we wrapped it up.
I want to thank everyone for their part as I know sometimes LARPING is and can be difficult to do. There will be more of that in the future as well as some serious fighting coming up. Training will be next week as well as cashing in what treasures we've found and some other things that have come up.
We have two things on our horizon - the most obvious is a trip to Fulgore Keep and examining the camp and having some talk to Vanir and or the Castellan (by talk I mean a sword in the gut and something to do with fire) or taking a side trip to the Fengarth's Tower mentioned on Phozarn's map.
It was a bit weird to talk with Thadar afterwards and know he was going to be dead the next morning - as the party was getting used to killing without consequences - and here was this family guy with two kids and he was also a horrible slaver.
Write up follows:
The party spent many hours going over the found treasures looted from the K'Tharkian Homewarren, counting and cataloging the riches and gathered goods until it was decided that we would divide it amongst the three representatives: 1) The party, 2) The Orihalcan Dwarves, and the 3) Drywood Clan Bugbears. Some grumblings over the fact that there WAS no fight and division of the treasures followed, with the dwarven contingent voicing most of the difficulty.
The group split the goods as best as possible, foregoing any of the "extras" and leftovers for the dwarves and bugbears in the interests of keeping the peace. At the end of things, Altern Lamatous opted to donate a portion of the treasure to the party for thanking them for this and their efforts. There was numerous mining equipment left over by the K'Tharkian's which the party snubbed into the Orihalcans’ faces by demanding they split the tools by a factor of 3 as well. The bugbears took the picks and shovels and bars and what not - the party left their portion there. There was also an attempt to guilt the dwarves in dividing the mine's output by 3 but it fell flat and that line of pursuit was abandoned.
Roughly 40 of the dwarves stayed behind - knowing there was lots of work to do to get the mine ready for proper use and exploitation - most of them Mountain dwarves. The bugbears left after having some words with the party about potentially moving their encampment elsewhere. The group talked to the dwarves on the walk back to town, getting some of their view of things and some insight on the inner workings of Orihalcus.
At the city the group was greeted by Sir Slaine and a gathered troupe of the populace. We were attributed for ending the K'Tharkian threat and named as Sons of Orihalcus. (Hooray - local fame!) We were informed that Representative Carmon from the Slavers guild had arrived and had a short 10 minute conversation with Thadar before the slaver was returned to his cell. At the trial scheduled for 8 the next morning, we were told that only 1 of us would be allowed in as prosecutor and we would be also allowed one other of us as a witness. With the great interest in this case, Sir Walter and mostly Sheriff Phozarn Trueblade wants to keep this from becoming a dog and pony show.
We went back to our flophouse and spent the rest of the night going over our case; looking at all the journals we had gathered, notes, time frames, everything we could use to strike out against Thadar. Puck went off to Clothier Dellia to try to talk with her and order some clothing and Karis went to speak with Sheriff Phozarn to discuss Thadar and if anything was found on him (we were given a bronze hand stamped wolf's head on a copper chain).
I then assigned Kyle the stats and background on Rep Carmon and I assigned Matt the stats and background on Sir Walter Slaine - and we began the trial (I played Thadar). LARPing began.
We had the trial and Rep Carmon was doing a decent job dispelling enough of the proof against Thadar and Sir Walter kept the peace (while still supporting the group..."Karis! (he barked after the half ogre began lambasting Thadar) I want you to continue!" which got lots of laughs) but what hung Thadar mostly was the link between his children and the journals - and his mounting franticness to get a hold of his son's missives. He confessed his guilt to Representative Carmon who dropped Thadar's case in disgust and the slaver was consigned to death by hanging the following morning.
That night the party was asked by Thadar to come to him at his last meal. He spoke of his family and children and Karis promised to fulfill Thadar's last request to bring back his wolf head necklace to his kids and tell them NOT of what he did for a living - just that he died loving them all.
He gave the party a rough map and directions on how to get to Fulgore Keep, where he was supposed to bring the slaves. About 20 freelance slaver troupes lease space outside the mountain Keep to meet up away from the peering eyes of the Count and his Dragoons. The greater slavers guild does not know of this arrangement. The leader of the Lycos Suns , the troupe that Thadar is a part of, is a man named Vanir. The person who runs the Keep is someone referred to as the Castellan.
The slaver encampment is like a rolling convention and is fairly easy to get into as only those who know where it is should be able to find it.. . Pretty informal, party should be able to get in and out without trouble assuming they don't act stupid. Mentioned the Keep itself is closed to slavers who rent the grounds around it. Only high ranking Guild members talk to the Castellan and Keep is off limits to lower members.
Thadar was killed the next morning and we all went to the hanging. We then quickly went through the xp and leveling details, getting ourselves ready for 3rd level.
And that's where we wrapped it up.
I want to thank everyone for their part as I know sometimes LARPING is and can be difficult to do. There will be more of that in the future as well as some serious fighting coming up. Training will be next week as well as cashing in what treasures we've found and some other things that have come up.
We have two things on our horizon - the most obvious is a trip to Fulgore Keep and examining the camp and having some talk to Vanir and or the Castellan (by talk I mean a sword in the gut and something to do with fire) or taking a side trip to the Fengarth's Tower mentioned on Phozarn's map.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Meet 8, Adv 2, 11/17/07
The kobolds just had their leader slain, their shaman maimed (lost an arm) and a band of adenturers burst from the center of their encampment and raced out. They were a bit shaken and decided (based upon the now 3rd in command) to pull up tent stakes and bolt. Based upon how long it would take the party to come back would decide if any and how many kobolds would still be there for them to face. They took too long - no one was left.
There was lots of good role playing and the party had to handle the difficulty of explaining their actions, bringing back Thadar, encounters with him, convincing the bugbears to help, convincing the dwarves to help, getting all them to work together, talking to the greengrocers (farmers) and getting them to NOT risk sending people - and all the other good little nuggets that go into role playing - and the party did pretty good - especially since this was their 8th meeting and they were getting better at playing some of these scenes out.
Write up follows:
We staggered away from the K'Tharkian Homewarren and followed Asgirda's winding trail that would throw off pursuers before leading us to Drywood. Karis grew weaker and was forced to be dragged along, the women were terrified, and Thadar was exhausted. In due time we made it to the bugbear encampment and Altern Lamatous was pleased to not only see us return, but to have his two trusted warriors in tow still alive.
We talked with him for a bit, Karis needed rest, then Zoltan got Flarg to help break Thadar's arm and bind the slaver in Puck's manacles. Thadar admitted he was wrong and didn't want to do this anymore. Zoltan didn't care and had the slaver taken away.
Long story short, we convinced the bugbear's that there was much treasure remaining at the K'Tharkian encampment and we would need sledges, travois, and wagons to bring them back. But most importantly, we would need warriors. Lamatous agreed to send 16 total bugbears to help - for either one half of the treasure (assuming we find it AND it's just the bugbears and our party) - or one third (if the manlings have the balls to send anyone). The bugbears will happily take in the freed bugbear woman and her half breed off spring - we would bring the other "good" humanoids back with us to Orihalcus - and the three ex-slave woman kobolds and their two children were unwanted in both places but would be outfitted with clothing, food, and equipment and set free to find their way in the world in THREE days time (long after our group would try to go back to get the remaining goodies).
We gave the Drywood clan their 25% of the take we had gotten so far and was still left with a sizable pile of goods and treasures. We left the next morning and told Lamatous that we would be back within the next 1-2 days with some Orihalcans - and to meet them by the standing stone that was close to their encampment (bringing armed Orihalcans to the bugbear home was thought to be - stupid ;) )
It took 3 hours to get home, towing 6 women and 11 children with us. Once at the gate a runner was sent ahead and within moments Sir Walter and a number of his retinue came to attend to us. The women were sent to the courthouse where healers and apothecists came to attend to them - while our group and Thadar followed Sir Walter, Marzen, and Frau Gail to his manor. We told him of what we had uncovered, settled up, spoke of the riches still there - commented that we still hadn't found the seed, oxen, or farming tools, and finally told them of the bugbears and their offer to help.
Marzen was rude, surly, and barely cooperative - promising to send 60 of his miners with crossbow skills to aid - while the Greengrocer Coalition could commit 16 bowmen and 7 "stout fellows with clubs". Frau and Marzen had barely civil communication with one another and eventually they left.
Zoltan threatened to kill Thadar who admitted he was very wrong and just prayed to Odin to not die in the K'Tharkian camp - but the bard didn't care. Zoltan left in an angry huff and Karis informed the slaver that he had to tell the party some info: The organization was Lycos Suns and they were to take the group to Fulgore Keep which is somewhere in the Dusty Mountains between Orihalcus and Ponyboro.
Sir Walter informed us that a representative from the Slavers guild was going to be here tomorrow, a Representative Carmon - a good man working in a bad industry. Sir Walter informed the group that he could be trusted and would do the right thing. Thadar would have a trial and it would NOT happen unless the party was back and ready and able.
We went around and had some conversations afterwards: Gwen tried to dispel some of Marzen's bigotry towards bugbears but had dubious results at best, Detheron spoke to Solkissa about the needs of the Coalition and the lacking material - giving the druid the strange egg and learning that the horn was from a female unicorn (if a unicorn's horn is removed - the normally immortal creatures can be killed and their potent magical blood harvested), and Karis spoke to Sir Walter about his aggressive nature towards Clothier Dellia and came clean with his actions (seemingly exonerated).
We rested then and Zoltan left early to meet up with Asgirda to scout the K'Tharkian Homewarren - dismayed to see it was quiet and no activity was seen. The Greengrocer Coalition opted not to send anyone on Detheron/Solkissa's recommendation so it was the party, 60 dwarves, Thistle the one eyed elf to Thor who we had met up with, and Altern Lamatous and his 15 bugbears. It was not all hugs and happiness on the dwarves part and Karis was able to keep the peace but not through diplomacy - only threats. The bugbears were much nicer about it and had no special animosity towards the Orihalcans.
Party went to the Homewarren and we looked. It was closed down and pretty well stripped. The chamber to the secret room WAS open, but 4 of the clay pots had been upended and puddles of slime were on the floor - letting the party know it was still unlooted (as they discovered a moment later) so there was still tons of tradegoods there. The dwarves were happy as there was now an iron mine at their disposal only 2 hours away from Orihalcus which would bring much needed raw goods and eventual riches to the border city.
There was a locked cabinet which had some more gem stones in it as well as a 9 lb hunk of quarried raw silvery iron material which Gwyn informed us was most likely Adamantine - the densest steel known to mortals.
And that's where we left it off. We had a good time and like Mike said - this was sort of a Maintenance Meeting - where we had to get things DONE and resolved as opposed to clattering 20's and stabbing bad guys. :)
To make life a bit easier for everyone - here is what we've uncovered just now on our return visit to the K'Tharkian Homewarren:
36 Tourmalines
23 quartz
Statues: 3 copper, 7 bronze, 4 brass, 6 wood, 7 stone – (Dogs, horses, people, dragons, faces, etc…)
5180 copper commons
316 bronze disks
461 brass bits
4 sacks of duck and goose feathers
59 Rabbit fur pelts
26 Wolf Fur pelts
11 Beaver fur pelts
18 Fox Fur pelts
7 bolts Wool Cloth (bolt is 100 sq feet – weighs 25 lb each)
4 bolts Linen Cloth
7 bolts Cotton Cloth
1 bolt Silk Cloth
1 bolt Velvet Cloth
70 lb Raw Lead
80 lb Raw Zinc
60 lb Raw Nickel
50 lb Raw Tin
There was lots of good role playing and the party had to handle the difficulty of explaining their actions, bringing back Thadar, encounters with him, convincing the bugbears to help, convincing the dwarves to help, getting all them to work together, talking to the greengrocers (farmers) and getting them to NOT risk sending people - and all the other good little nuggets that go into role playing - and the party did pretty good - especially since this was their 8th meeting and they were getting better at playing some of these scenes out.
Write up follows:
We staggered away from the K'Tharkian Homewarren and followed Asgirda's winding trail that would throw off pursuers before leading us to Drywood. Karis grew weaker and was forced to be dragged along, the women were terrified, and Thadar was exhausted. In due time we made it to the bugbear encampment and Altern Lamatous was pleased to not only see us return, but to have his two trusted warriors in tow still alive.
We talked with him for a bit, Karis needed rest, then Zoltan got Flarg to help break Thadar's arm and bind the slaver in Puck's manacles. Thadar admitted he was wrong and didn't want to do this anymore. Zoltan didn't care and had the slaver taken away.
Long story short, we convinced the bugbear's that there was much treasure remaining at the K'Tharkian encampment and we would need sledges, travois, and wagons to bring them back. But most importantly, we would need warriors. Lamatous agreed to send 16 total bugbears to help - for either one half of the treasure (assuming we find it AND it's just the bugbears and our party) - or one third (if the manlings have the balls to send anyone). The bugbears will happily take in the freed bugbear woman and her half breed off spring - we would bring the other "good" humanoids back with us to Orihalcus - and the three ex-slave woman kobolds and their two children were unwanted in both places but would be outfitted with clothing, food, and equipment and set free to find their way in the world in THREE days time (long after our group would try to go back to get the remaining goodies).
We gave the Drywood clan their 25% of the take we had gotten so far and was still left with a sizable pile of goods and treasures. We left the next morning and told Lamatous that we would be back within the next 1-2 days with some Orihalcans - and to meet them by the standing stone that was close to their encampment (bringing armed Orihalcans to the bugbear home was thought to be - stupid ;) )
It took 3 hours to get home, towing 6 women and 11 children with us. Once at the gate a runner was sent ahead and within moments Sir Walter and a number of his retinue came to attend to us. The women were sent to the courthouse where healers and apothecists came to attend to them - while our group and Thadar followed Sir Walter, Marzen, and Frau Gail to his manor. We told him of what we had uncovered, settled up, spoke of the riches still there - commented that we still hadn't found the seed, oxen, or farming tools, and finally told them of the bugbears and their offer to help.
Marzen was rude, surly, and barely cooperative - promising to send 60 of his miners with crossbow skills to aid - while the Greengrocer Coalition could commit 16 bowmen and 7 "stout fellows with clubs". Frau and Marzen had barely civil communication with one another and eventually they left.
Zoltan threatened to kill Thadar who admitted he was very wrong and just prayed to Odin to not die in the K'Tharkian camp - but the bard didn't care. Zoltan left in an angry huff and Karis informed the slaver that he had to tell the party some info: The organization was Lycos Suns and they were to take the group to Fulgore Keep which is somewhere in the Dusty Mountains between Orihalcus and Ponyboro.
Sir Walter informed us that a representative from the Slavers guild was going to be here tomorrow, a Representative Carmon - a good man working in a bad industry. Sir Walter informed the group that he could be trusted and would do the right thing. Thadar would have a trial and it would NOT happen unless the party was back and ready and able.
We went around and had some conversations afterwards: Gwen tried to dispel some of Marzen's bigotry towards bugbears but had dubious results at best, Detheron spoke to Solkissa about the needs of the Coalition and the lacking material - giving the druid the strange egg and learning that the horn was from a female unicorn (if a unicorn's horn is removed - the normally immortal creatures can be killed and their potent magical blood harvested), and Karis spoke to Sir Walter about his aggressive nature towards Clothier Dellia and came clean with his actions (seemingly exonerated).
We rested then and Zoltan left early to meet up with Asgirda to scout the K'Tharkian Homewarren - dismayed to see it was quiet and no activity was seen. The Greengrocer Coalition opted not to send anyone on Detheron/Solkissa's recommendation so it was the party, 60 dwarves, Thistle the one eyed elf to Thor who we had met up with, and Altern Lamatous and his 15 bugbears. It was not all hugs and happiness on the dwarves part and Karis was able to keep the peace but not through diplomacy - only threats. The bugbears were much nicer about it and had no special animosity towards the Orihalcans.
Party went to the Homewarren and we looked. It was closed down and pretty well stripped. The chamber to the secret room WAS open, but 4 of the clay pots had been upended and puddles of slime were on the floor - letting the party know it was still unlooted (as they discovered a moment later) so there was still tons of tradegoods there. The dwarves were happy as there was now an iron mine at their disposal only 2 hours away from Orihalcus which would bring much needed raw goods and eventual riches to the border city.
There was a locked cabinet which had some more gem stones in it as well as a 9 lb hunk of quarried raw silvery iron material which Gwyn informed us was most likely Adamantine - the densest steel known to mortals.
And that's where we left it off. We had a good time and like Mike said - this was sort of a Maintenance Meeting - where we had to get things DONE and resolved as opposed to clattering 20's and stabbing bad guys. :)
To make life a bit easier for everyone - here is what we've uncovered just now on our return visit to the K'Tharkian Homewarren:
36 Tourmalines
23 quartz
Statues: 3 copper, 7 bronze, 4 brass, 6 wood, 7 stone – (Dogs, horses, people, dragons, faces, etc…)
5180 copper commons
316 bronze disks
461 brass bits
4 sacks of duck and goose feathers
59 Rabbit fur pelts
26 Wolf Fur pelts
11 Beaver fur pelts
18 Fox Fur pelts
7 bolts Wool Cloth (bolt is 100 sq feet – weighs 25 lb each)
4 bolts Linen Cloth
7 bolts Cotton Cloth
1 bolt Silk Cloth
1 bolt Velvet Cloth
70 lb Raw Lead
80 lb Raw Zinc
60 lb Raw Nickel
50 lb Raw Tin
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Meet 7, Adv 2, 11/10/07
This was the big climax for the party as they had finally gotten around to Kuluk's back door - and it was close. As the party was 2nd level during this adventure, they were able to deal some damage and take some as well - but I still play with kid gloves for characters until they pass 3rd level - after that, they are no longer coddled along and can (and will) die from an errant dice roll or bad saving throw. That doesn't mean that I won't let a character under 3rd level die - it means that I won't let them die from a lucky critical or the like.
So yeah, Karis died here. Chuckle. Half-ogre knight held the line for his friends and freed women and children to escape - and I think him standing there blocking the only easy escape 80' off the ground with his shield, sword, and strength would have been a disservice if I fudged the dice rolls.
Poor bastard hit -3 after hitting the ground, and the party ran back to save him with the literally last healing spell that Thistle the elven cleric had and the only healing scroll that Detheron had.
This was also the first time the party showed any real cohesion as a group - it was still clunky and some selfish moments - but overall, they were beginning to come together as a unit.
Write up follows:
After making sure that Thistle (elven cleric to Thor) and Gurerredon (pecsian fighter) were up to snuff and capable of following, the party continued on and in what direction they had been informed lead to Kuluk's home. Beyond the torture chamber was a hallway with black and white smeared kobold hand prints on the wall and numerous fetishes of ears and fingers from various elven and fey races hanging from hooks.
There was a doorway beyond that revealed a larger chamber with an over sized table, assorted chairs, scattered papers, and racks for helms and weapons. The papers were written in Ogrish and both Gwyn and Karis felt that given enough time, should be able to decipher enough of the strange language. Taking them, the party marched on, Zoltan picking the next doorway and the party making their way to another hall - this one with more hand prints but also festooned with old and ceremonial ogre spears. There was another doorway, and Zoltan was able to hear muffled heavy breathing on the other side.
There was some discussion on tactics but the noises stopped and Karis felt that it was time for action. We burst in and encountered Kuluk's demonic beast - a twisted amalgamation of great bear, sorcery, and some diseased bird. Towering over the rest of the party, it roared, charged forward, and broke free of the chains binding it. Flarg and Karis went front line, spells and blessings fired off, the animals were held back, and javelins and arrows started striking. Most of the initial blows failed to penetrate the creature's thick hide and its punishing strength and terrible claws tore through Karis and Flarg's armor with brutal ease.
The fight was long and horrendous; the bugbear brawler was caught in the punishing grip of the monstrous beast, his ribs crushed and back torn open, the brave fighter cast aside dying and Detheron running to his aid. Gurerredon softened the stone under the monster's feet, sinking the creature down to its lower calf but not before its beaked mouth ripped Gwyn's chest open. We plied all we had to take the monster down, struggling harder and harder even as its tremendous strength allowed it to break its feet free from the encasing stone. And then Zoltan told us that many kobolds were coming down the corridor.
A portcullis began to rise as the kobolds grew closer and Zoltan leapt on top of it, wrenching the teeth off the wooden gears with his added weight and allowing it to crash back to the ground. A wave of yellow necromantic energy shot down the hall from Kuluk standing resplendent in blue scale mail, an eldritch scimitar in his hand, his half dozen hand picked guards in front of him - And Thistle went down in violent pain.
The fight was now in two places - Karis, Asgirda and Gwyn finishing off the owlbear, the rest of the party struggling against the charging kobolds and their efforts to lift the gates - Kuluk shouting at them. When Puck's flaming hands burst against two of the K'Tharkians, the mage was suddenly the target of every thrown javelin - the sorcerer dropping to the ground and dragged to safety by Detheron. Gurerredon managed to sink his pick into one of the kobolds and dragged the beast through the bars killing it swiftly.
Puck was being healed when new javelins went flying and this time Detheron was targets, the druid dropping dangerously low. Fodder and Ringo were sent into the battle and the portcullis was raised and the battle ensued. Karis tried to hold the line with Gurerredon but Kuluk cut the pecs down with a single blast of his scimitar - a legendary weapon known as "Elfsplitter". It seemed to drink the pecs's blood and the group redoubled its efforts to finish the struggle swiftly.
Kuluk was maneuvering around the battle to bring himself in line with Puck and Detheron again - only desperate leaps by Karis and Gwyn preventing him from doing so. And then Karis let forth a horrible roar and slammed the full length of his blade into the kobold chief's chest - killing him. For his efforts, the remaining kobold guards threw themselves at Karis and tried to bring the half ogre down before being finished off.
The battle was over.
We stripped them of their gear and items - notably a ring with 5 different sized keys on it. There was worry about the ring and scimitar - but for now the party took both items. We checked over the room and Zoltan and Gwyn were able to find through much deduction - a secreted door that needed one of the keys to open it. It led to a hall with top heavy jars in it, nine in total; that we figured out how to keep from tipping by nine iron "C" shaped rings we discovered with the Owlbear. Zoltan went down bravely until there was a final door - he opened it and we beheld the K'Tharkian vaults. It was filled with items and treasures, and commodities and other items of interest that Kuluk must have gathered as of late to most likely give to the Ogrelords for the Compact. Puck's magical sight allowed us to discover 4 mage spell scrolls, 3 priestly spell scrolls, half a dozen potions, a forearm length chalky/cracked lumpy egg, and a 2' off white shaft like a pick or a horn.
The party decided there was WAY too much stuff to take and we decided to sweep the majority of the jewelry and coins into our available packs as well as half a dozen small casks of honey (on Gwyn's advice). Puck who had gone back to the guard's bodies heard many angry kobolds banging on the doorway to what should be Kuluk's house. He came back and it was decided that it was time to go.
We went into Kuluk's proper home - a sizable one room affair attached to the side of the cliff, covered in tapestries, painting, draperies, finery and other messes tacked haphazardly to the stone walls. The single door out was thick, sturdy, and barred from our side - but there was a growing number of kobolds on the other side calling in common and their own language that there were intruders in the encampment, defenses were being erected, and they seemed to be in the mines. That decided it - we could not go back the way we came.
While searching his home we came upon a single thick slab of wood with a keyhole that had female voices on the other side. Zoltan checked the ring of keys and we burst in - finding ourselves in Kuluk's harem - 11 women of various races all bound to beds by one leather thong around their wrist (except one - the apparent matron). She was taken out swiftly and the party tried to free the women who were wretched, hurt, scarred, tortured, and in no condition to fight. Our troubles got worse - as we were not going to leave the women behind.
Then Asgirda and Zoltan made another discovery - a nursery with 14 half-breed children ranging from newborn to two years of age - also in poor condition and health. We had to get them all out. There were two potential doors - the one being broken down now by what we assumed to be the village shaman and at least two militaristic K'Tharkians (most likely a lot more) - or the door to the harem which would lead us closer to the ladder but also two smaller guard towers?
The group split into two: Zoltan, Puck, Flarg, and Gwyn would leave - run across the cliff surface - and try to take out the other guard tower where the Slaver was - and bring him with us - While Karis, Detheron, Asgirda and Thistle would make for the closer ladder and run like mad to get the women to safety.
And then it was a chaotic mess.
Karis ran out of the harem - ordering Detheron and Asgirda down the ladder first to hold the base while the women followed. The half ogre shoved and pushed at one of the towers - the two guards inside going crazy trying to shoot him - the stone and wooden structure sliding over the cliff edge and fell down 80' to smash to bits below.
Zoltan led the group to the imposing wall and instead of trying to climb over it - side stepped around it by dangling over the larder below and swinging to the other side - Puck dropped a flask of oil onto the thatched roof and realized he couldn't make the climb - so cast Spider Climb on himself and ran down the cliff face - throwing a torch at the Larder and setting it ablaze. The guard tower was now aware of us.
Detheron and Asgirda were shouting at the women to get down faster. Karis was trying to push the other tower over and Thistle was struggling to hold the door closed - keeping those K'Tharkian's trapped inside. The Shaman saw what was going on and mustered a twenty count of Kobolds to his side as he charged the half ogre. The other tower went over and Detheron and Asgirda set it ablaze with oil and torches. An errant javelin struck one of the women and it was a dangerous moment until Thistle was able to grab the baby from her hand and steady the wailing woman against the ladder so she could climb. Karis ordered the elf to go now and the shaman arrived at that moment with his retinue.
Arrows struck at Zoltan's group from the guard tower and Puck used another scroll - this time a large bank of fog that obscured the group from the view of the Kobold's above. Using his last "jump" - Flarg grabbed Zoltan and Leapt 30' straight up to the cage holding Thadar who was frantic and calling for the party to save him (ironic - isn't it?). A hasty key was used and the slaver was free - until the kobold's realized what was happening and started shooting down at them. Zoltan sunk a grapple and rope into the cage's top and the group began climbing down to safety. Gwyn uncorked the gallon cask of lubricating oil we has plundered, chanced running up to the guard tower door - and set the structure ablaze as Puck saw mature fire beetled come out of the tower's top with bow wielding kobold's on top.
Detheron and Asgirda charged through the encampment - shoving kobolds out of the way and shooting any that got to close - harrying their screaming and terrified woman charges on as fast as possible. Karis was struck by the shaman with a strange club - the impact sounding like a clap of thunder and deafening the half ogre as well as crumpling the face of his shield. He opted to swing himself into space and scramble down the ladder. The shaman's power flared to life and a warp wood spell ripped five rungs out from the ladder and Karis started falling - unable to stop his plummet he struck the ground with a snap and passed out (down to -3).
The party heard the ogre's roar, Detheron ordering Asgirda to RUN (she giving him her potion of Ignore to help him) as the druid ran back to try to help his friend, and Flarg and Puck went off to try and help as well from the other direction while Zoltan dragging Thadar ran for the exit - a beetle overhead and mounted kobold shooting down at them. A well placed crossbow bolt from Gwyn toppled the rider and the two of them tried to run faster while the fire on the guard tower was being suppressed and the fire beetle was ferrying guards out of the top down to the floor - a 10 count of militaristic kobolds drawing ranks and readying to give chase.
Detheron used his cure serious wounds scroll at the same time that Thistle's last cure minor wounds went out. The shaman made it to the floor and Karis met the spell casting kobold for one pass of blade and club - chopping off the druid's arm before turning at the begging sounds of his friends to run now. A larger fire beetle came out of the cave at the druid's cry as about twenty kobolds were now down the ladder - and Puck's web scroll fired off encasing the beetle and the base of the ladder in a mass of webbing strands. Then he too and Flarg ran for their lives.
We made it to the encampment entrance and kept going - running into the dark night until the sounds of pursuit faded and the flaming glow of the burning K'Tharkian camp was left behind.
Wow. Nice job everyone. We got out of there alive but we are tired, drained, exhausted, and now towing 25 odd prisoners of the K'Tharkian encampment as we follow a dazed and weary Asgirda back around the mountain's side and towards the Drywood Clan's holdings.
So yeah, Karis died here. Chuckle. Half-ogre knight held the line for his friends and freed women and children to escape - and I think him standing there blocking the only easy escape 80' off the ground with his shield, sword, and strength would have been a disservice if I fudged the dice rolls.
Poor bastard hit -3 after hitting the ground, and the party ran back to save him with the literally last healing spell that Thistle the elven cleric had and the only healing scroll that Detheron had.
This was also the first time the party showed any real cohesion as a group - it was still clunky and some selfish moments - but overall, they were beginning to come together as a unit.
Write up follows:
After making sure that Thistle (elven cleric to Thor) and Gurerredon (pecsian fighter) were up to snuff and capable of following, the party continued on and in what direction they had been informed lead to Kuluk's home. Beyond the torture chamber was a hallway with black and white smeared kobold hand prints on the wall and numerous fetishes of ears and fingers from various elven and fey races hanging from hooks.
There was a doorway beyond that revealed a larger chamber with an over sized table, assorted chairs, scattered papers, and racks for helms and weapons. The papers were written in Ogrish and both Gwyn and Karis felt that given enough time, should be able to decipher enough of the strange language. Taking them, the party marched on, Zoltan picking the next doorway and the party making their way to another hall - this one with more hand prints but also festooned with old and ceremonial ogre spears. There was another doorway, and Zoltan was able to hear muffled heavy breathing on the other side.
There was some discussion on tactics but the noises stopped and Karis felt that it was time for action. We burst in and encountered Kuluk's demonic beast - a twisted amalgamation of great bear, sorcery, and some diseased bird. Towering over the rest of the party, it roared, charged forward, and broke free of the chains binding it. Flarg and Karis went front line, spells and blessings fired off, the animals were held back, and javelins and arrows started striking. Most of the initial blows failed to penetrate the creature's thick hide and its punishing strength and terrible claws tore through Karis and Flarg's armor with brutal ease.
The fight was long and horrendous; the bugbear brawler was caught in the punishing grip of the monstrous beast, his ribs crushed and back torn open, the brave fighter cast aside dying and Detheron running to his aid. Gurerredon softened the stone under the monster's feet, sinking the creature down to its lower calf but not before its beaked mouth ripped Gwyn's chest open. We plied all we had to take the monster down, struggling harder and harder even as its tremendous strength allowed it to break its feet free from the encasing stone. And then Zoltan told us that many kobolds were coming down the corridor.
A portcullis began to rise as the kobolds grew closer and Zoltan leapt on top of it, wrenching the teeth off the wooden gears with his added weight and allowing it to crash back to the ground. A wave of yellow necromantic energy shot down the hall from Kuluk standing resplendent in blue scale mail, an eldritch scimitar in his hand, his half dozen hand picked guards in front of him - And Thistle went down in violent pain.
The fight was now in two places - Karis, Asgirda and Gwyn finishing off the owlbear, the rest of the party struggling against the charging kobolds and their efforts to lift the gates - Kuluk shouting at them. When Puck's flaming hands burst against two of the K'Tharkians, the mage was suddenly the target of every thrown javelin - the sorcerer dropping to the ground and dragged to safety by Detheron. Gurerredon managed to sink his pick into one of the kobolds and dragged the beast through the bars killing it swiftly.
Puck was being healed when new javelins went flying and this time Detheron was targets, the druid dropping dangerously low. Fodder and Ringo were sent into the battle and the portcullis was raised and the battle ensued. Karis tried to hold the line with Gurerredon but Kuluk cut the pecs down with a single blast of his scimitar - a legendary weapon known as "Elfsplitter". It seemed to drink the pecs's blood and the group redoubled its efforts to finish the struggle swiftly.
Kuluk was maneuvering around the battle to bring himself in line with Puck and Detheron again - only desperate leaps by Karis and Gwyn preventing him from doing so. And then Karis let forth a horrible roar and slammed the full length of his blade into the kobold chief's chest - killing him. For his efforts, the remaining kobold guards threw themselves at Karis and tried to bring the half ogre down before being finished off.
The battle was over.
We stripped them of their gear and items - notably a ring with 5 different sized keys on it. There was worry about the ring and scimitar - but for now the party took both items. We checked over the room and Zoltan and Gwyn were able to find through much deduction - a secreted door that needed one of the keys to open it. It led to a hall with top heavy jars in it, nine in total; that we figured out how to keep from tipping by nine iron "C" shaped rings we discovered with the Owlbear. Zoltan went down bravely until there was a final door - he opened it and we beheld the K'Tharkian vaults. It was filled with items and treasures, and commodities and other items of interest that Kuluk must have gathered as of late to most likely give to the Ogrelords for the Compact. Puck's magical sight allowed us to discover 4 mage spell scrolls, 3 priestly spell scrolls, half a dozen potions, a forearm length chalky/cracked lumpy egg, and a 2' off white shaft like a pick or a horn.
The party decided there was WAY too much stuff to take and we decided to sweep the majority of the jewelry and coins into our available packs as well as half a dozen small casks of honey (on Gwyn's advice). Puck who had gone back to the guard's bodies heard many angry kobolds banging on the doorway to what should be Kuluk's house. He came back and it was decided that it was time to go.
We went into Kuluk's proper home - a sizable one room affair attached to the side of the cliff, covered in tapestries, painting, draperies, finery and other messes tacked haphazardly to the stone walls. The single door out was thick, sturdy, and barred from our side - but there was a growing number of kobolds on the other side calling in common and their own language that there were intruders in the encampment, defenses were being erected, and they seemed to be in the mines. That decided it - we could not go back the way we came.
While searching his home we came upon a single thick slab of wood with a keyhole that had female voices on the other side. Zoltan checked the ring of keys and we burst in - finding ourselves in Kuluk's harem - 11 women of various races all bound to beds by one leather thong around their wrist (except one - the apparent matron). She was taken out swiftly and the party tried to free the women who were wretched, hurt, scarred, tortured, and in no condition to fight. Our troubles got worse - as we were not going to leave the women behind.
Then Asgirda and Zoltan made another discovery - a nursery with 14 half-breed children ranging from newborn to two years of age - also in poor condition and health. We had to get them all out. There were two potential doors - the one being broken down now by what we assumed to be the village shaman and at least two militaristic K'Tharkians (most likely a lot more) - or the door to the harem which would lead us closer to the ladder but also two smaller guard towers?
The group split into two: Zoltan, Puck, Flarg, and Gwyn would leave - run across the cliff surface - and try to take out the other guard tower where the Slaver was - and bring him with us - While Karis, Detheron, Asgirda and Thistle would make for the closer ladder and run like mad to get the women to safety.
And then it was a chaotic mess.
Karis ran out of the harem - ordering Detheron and Asgirda down the ladder first to hold the base while the women followed. The half ogre shoved and pushed at one of the towers - the two guards inside going crazy trying to shoot him - the stone and wooden structure sliding over the cliff edge and fell down 80' to smash to bits below.
Zoltan led the group to the imposing wall and instead of trying to climb over it - side stepped around it by dangling over the larder below and swinging to the other side - Puck dropped a flask of oil onto the thatched roof and realized he couldn't make the climb - so cast Spider Climb on himself and ran down the cliff face - throwing a torch at the Larder and setting it ablaze. The guard tower was now aware of us.
Detheron and Asgirda were shouting at the women to get down faster. Karis was trying to push the other tower over and Thistle was struggling to hold the door closed - keeping those K'Tharkian's trapped inside. The Shaman saw what was going on and mustered a twenty count of Kobolds to his side as he charged the half ogre. The other tower went over and Detheron and Asgirda set it ablaze with oil and torches. An errant javelin struck one of the women and it was a dangerous moment until Thistle was able to grab the baby from her hand and steady the wailing woman against the ladder so she could climb. Karis ordered the elf to go now and the shaman arrived at that moment with his retinue.
Arrows struck at Zoltan's group from the guard tower and Puck used another scroll - this time a large bank of fog that obscured the group from the view of the Kobold's above. Using his last "jump" - Flarg grabbed Zoltan and Leapt 30' straight up to the cage holding Thadar who was frantic and calling for the party to save him (ironic - isn't it?). A hasty key was used and the slaver was free - until the kobold's realized what was happening and started shooting down at them. Zoltan sunk a grapple and rope into the cage's top and the group began climbing down to safety. Gwyn uncorked the gallon cask of lubricating oil we has plundered, chanced running up to the guard tower door - and set the structure ablaze as Puck saw mature fire beetled come out of the tower's top with bow wielding kobold's on top.
Detheron and Asgirda charged through the encampment - shoving kobolds out of the way and shooting any that got to close - harrying their screaming and terrified woman charges on as fast as possible. Karis was struck by the shaman with a strange club - the impact sounding like a clap of thunder and deafening the half ogre as well as crumpling the face of his shield. He opted to swing himself into space and scramble down the ladder. The shaman's power flared to life and a warp wood spell ripped five rungs out from the ladder and Karis started falling - unable to stop his plummet he struck the ground with a snap and passed out (down to -3).
The party heard the ogre's roar, Detheron ordering Asgirda to RUN (she giving him her potion of Ignore to help him) as the druid ran back to try to help his friend, and Flarg and Puck went off to try and help as well from the other direction while Zoltan dragging Thadar ran for the exit - a beetle overhead and mounted kobold shooting down at them. A well placed crossbow bolt from Gwyn toppled the rider and the two of them tried to run faster while the fire on the guard tower was being suppressed and the fire beetle was ferrying guards out of the top down to the floor - a 10 count of militaristic kobolds drawing ranks and readying to give chase.
Detheron used his cure serious wounds scroll at the same time that Thistle's last cure minor wounds went out. The shaman made it to the floor and Karis met the spell casting kobold for one pass of blade and club - chopping off the druid's arm before turning at the begging sounds of his friends to run now. A larger fire beetle came out of the cave at the druid's cry as about twenty kobolds were now down the ladder - and Puck's web scroll fired off encasing the beetle and the base of the ladder in a mass of webbing strands. Then he too and Flarg ran for their lives.
We made it to the encampment entrance and kept going - running into the dark night until the sounds of pursuit faded and the flaming glow of the burning K'Tharkian camp was left behind.
Wow. Nice job everyone. We got out of there alive but we are tired, drained, exhausted, and now towing 25 odd prisoners of the K'Tharkian encampment as we follow a dazed and weary Asgirda back around the mountain's side and towards the Drywood Clan's holdings.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Addon, Adv 2, Journal
The party had discovered a journal during the first adventure, something they picked up off the dead slaver they came across. At the time it was read and the party was able to make some decisions and guesses out of it. It told the story of the slavers and their recent activities by the view of a slaver mage named Krestal - and detailed from a lackey's POV the job, the party's capture, and specifically the slaver in charge named Thadar.
The same slaver they were going to try and "liberate" from the K'Tharkian's and Kuluk. And then most likely cut his throat afterwards.
No really - they were so totally going to do that. It wasn't a fine moment for the "good" aligned people of the party.
Journal included here as an addon:
Plant 3rd, 174
I don’t need this job. I really don’t. It if wasn’t for the fact that I owe the damned Burghermeister so much damned nobles, I would sit my pasty white ass down on the closest bar stool and drink till I puked.
This latest job came as they usually do, with Thadar all excited and leaping for joy. He was going on and on about the payoff and the easy money and all I knew was I was going to be tramping around the fucking wilderness again for a good fucking month or more. Hope to hell we could hire a damned ranger to come with us because I swear to Frigga and back that Ostal for all his knowledge on handling horses and shit can’t find the fucking ass end of a midden if he had turds on his shoes.
I hate this fucking job. Thank Fenris I can at least beat people.
Plant 5th, 174
Thadar was good to his word and came by with the first payment which had me grinning from ear to ear. Went to the Burghermeister and gave him his piece of the pie; piece of crap looking down his nose at me like he’s too fucking good for me. Dilabrian scum, barely better than a cut throat himself. I’m sure if someone was to dig in his wine cellar they’d find some bodies the portly bastard had buried in there.
I better go visit that miserable drunk at the apothecist and grab what reagents I could. Not much need for spell use, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. A few months ago some scumbag bugbears tried to snag our stock and we had to push the buggers back. Nothing reeks as bad as burnt bugbear except for Gumrid’s feet. Filthy bum must stuff his shoes with strips of dead fish.
Thadar informs us that the roustabouts are already gathering the stock which is good – the sooner we leave, the sooner we can be done with this crap.
Plant 8th, 174
Sweet Frigga’s Asscheeks, the stock we have this time is fucking ridiculous. Maybe 25, 30 of the most wild and unbroken pieces of meat you’ve ever seen. I don’t know where they gathered some of them, but frankly I think the roustabouts should have their damned heads examined. Had one frigger get his hands on some dust or sand or whatever; turns out he was a damned mage. Not a tower mage but one of them renegades that bowed knee to Cedric, sucking his boots like a 15 copper common whore. Dropped a good six or eight of the impresser team to sleep but a pair of arrows to his chest ended his spellcasting right and good.
Stuck up twit. What did he think was going to happen?
Had the usual “strip the boys and girls down” and separated them - and wouldn’t you know it – we didn’t get the half dozen wenches. So besides sleeping in the dirt and on rocks and crap, I can’t even get laid.
Some of the stock came from Northedge, Flatrock, even Huntington. We had most of their belongings tossed out and some of the fencers are going to turn the goods into coin in Dragonhole so we can at least see a bit of early profit. Thadar’s got orders that we get a delivery bonus if we beat the time table which suits me just fine. It’s not like we’ve not done the run before.
Can already see myself spending money!
Plant 9th, 174
Well, scratch any chance of extra coin. Cedric’s Dragoons are all over Dilabria like dwarves on a beer soaked harlot. We try to bring these unbroken and unpapered bastards that way and we’re just setting ourselves up for a long drop on a short rope. Things were a lot easier under Delarrin. Damn it.
So we’re going to huff it overland and bypass the watchpoints and king’s men. It means adding days to our trip and that means I get less coin in my pocket.
I took my frustrations out on a couple of the stock until I felt better.
Then I hit them some more because I WAS feeling better.
Hate the job, but at least it’s got perks.
Plant 11th, 174
Florin got knifed today. Some gutless stock got a hold on a camp knife and buried it into Florin’s breadbasket. Set the wolfkins on the piece of crap for doing that. None of the stock spoke up as to where the blade came from or acknowledged it beforehand to warn us. Head impresser wants to make an example of their cuteness so we hobbled the cattle together with anklets and yoked them down as well.
Then we marched their asses south. Hard. Try making 4 miles an hour on 2 feet of chain and your back bowed low you scumbags. Skimped on their rations too. Ostal was a bit unhappy about it but Thadar reminded him that you couldn’t look at the stock as people.
After seven years of doing this shit myself, Frigga knows it’s sometimes hard to do.
Plant 12th, 174
Lost three more today. Damned road is playing havoc on out stock. Thadar told me the promise was 14 and after today’s bullshit we’re cutting it close. Two died from the march (one of them that fucking mage with the double chest sucking arrow holes where his lungs were – hehe), and one more was sandbagging. So Thadar gave him one chance to get up before stapling the duplicitous son of a bitch to the ground with a 4’ shaft through his rib cage.
I don’t think we’ll have any more trouble from the stock since they know we mean business.
Plant 13th, 174
We’re keeping them hungry and walking them hard. No more have dropped off which makes me happy. I think I got a bad case of blueballs. I hope to hell there’s something good for me to screw at F Keep.
Hell, I’d even give thought to schtupping a K’Tharkian whore if her breath wasn’t so damned bad.
Told that joke to Thadar who let drop that the Guild has been skimming down the passage funds to the K’Tharkians. I don’t know, but I think that’s bad business.
Always have to keep the toll collectors happy.
Plant 14th, 174
I hate fucking walking. I hate my fucking job. I think I’m going to go stomp on some fucker’s back now just to make myself feel better.
Plant 15th, 174
Made it to the wagoneers which I know is making Ostal happy as a lark. Team spent the morning beating the shit out of the stock just for fun and then split them into 3 groups. Chained those fuckers to the wagon floor and had some of the boys toss in a couple of arm loads of hay. One of them got cute and tried to pull the chains but Gumrid clocked him with a SBG stick and we cracked the scum’s knee caps for a bit to remind him not to do it again.
Thadar loaded the strong boxes with foodstuffs and clothes, some trade goods, and the strongbox of coins. Other gear was stowed as well. In addition, whatever junk the fences didn’t feel comfortable pawning in Dilabria came with us. With luck we might be able to trade it at F Keep with other Guildmates or if we do encounter the K’Tharkian’s we can foist it off on them.
Ostal got us a pair of oxen which was good for me. Ponies go faster but they ain’t as strong and I’d rather have 2 oxen than 4 ponies. And then we were off. Which works for me, because I was getting tired of walking.
Makes me wonder that if I was tired of walking, how tired were the stock?
Plant 16th, 174
This trip is fucking boring.
Plant 17th, 174
Finally made it to the Dusty Mountains. Been traveling up the old stunty traderoads for the better part of today. They wind a bit but it takes us higher and away from Orihalcus. Not that we need to go there, just happy to have the caravan not make an unnecessary stop where some nosey do gooder might ask to see our paperwork before we have any for this stock.
Smuggling ain’t exactly glamorous work, but you don’t have to be a moron to understand it.
Plant 18th, 174
Fucking raining this morning. I know Thadar is getting pissed off, he’s been grumbling since breakfast. I got a funny feeling he’s going to give Ostal an ass ripping.
The same slaver they were going to try and "liberate" from the K'Tharkian's and Kuluk. And then most likely cut his throat afterwards.
No really - they were so totally going to do that. It wasn't a fine moment for the "good" aligned people of the party.
Journal included here as an addon:
Plant 3rd, 174
I don’t need this job. I really don’t. It if wasn’t for the fact that I owe the damned Burghermeister so much damned nobles, I would sit my pasty white ass down on the closest bar stool and drink till I puked.
This latest job came as they usually do, with Thadar all excited and leaping for joy. He was going on and on about the payoff and the easy money and all I knew was I was going to be tramping around the fucking wilderness again for a good fucking month or more. Hope to hell we could hire a damned ranger to come with us because I swear to Frigga and back that Ostal for all his knowledge on handling horses and shit can’t find the fucking ass end of a midden if he had turds on his shoes.
I hate this fucking job. Thank Fenris I can at least beat people.
Plant 5th, 174
Thadar was good to his word and came by with the first payment which had me grinning from ear to ear. Went to the Burghermeister and gave him his piece of the pie; piece of crap looking down his nose at me like he’s too fucking good for me. Dilabrian scum, barely better than a cut throat himself. I’m sure if someone was to dig in his wine cellar they’d find some bodies the portly bastard had buried in there.
I better go visit that miserable drunk at the apothecist and grab what reagents I could. Not much need for spell use, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. A few months ago some scumbag bugbears tried to snag our stock and we had to push the buggers back. Nothing reeks as bad as burnt bugbear except for Gumrid’s feet. Filthy bum must stuff his shoes with strips of dead fish.
Thadar informs us that the roustabouts are already gathering the stock which is good – the sooner we leave, the sooner we can be done with this crap.
Plant 8th, 174
Sweet Frigga’s Asscheeks, the stock we have this time is fucking ridiculous. Maybe 25, 30 of the most wild and unbroken pieces of meat you’ve ever seen. I don’t know where they gathered some of them, but frankly I think the roustabouts should have their damned heads examined. Had one frigger get his hands on some dust or sand or whatever; turns out he was a damned mage. Not a tower mage but one of them renegades that bowed knee to Cedric, sucking his boots like a 15 copper common whore. Dropped a good six or eight of the impresser team to sleep but a pair of arrows to his chest ended his spellcasting right and good.
Stuck up twit. What did he think was going to happen?
Had the usual “strip the boys and girls down” and separated them - and wouldn’t you know it – we didn’t get the half dozen wenches. So besides sleeping in the dirt and on rocks and crap, I can’t even get laid.
Some of the stock came from Northedge, Flatrock, even Huntington. We had most of their belongings tossed out and some of the fencers are going to turn the goods into coin in Dragonhole so we can at least see a bit of early profit. Thadar’s got orders that we get a delivery bonus if we beat the time table which suits me just fine. It’s not like we’ve not done the run before.
Can already see myself spending money!
Plant 9th, 174
Well, scratch any chance of extra coin. Cedric’s Dragoons are all over Dilabria like dwarves on a beer soaked harlot. We try to bring these unbroken and unpapered bastards that way and we’re just setting ourselves up for a long drop on a short rope. Things were a lot easier under Delarrin. Damn it.
So we’re going to huff it overland and bypass the watchpoints and king’s men. It means adding days to our trip and that means I get less coin in my pocket.
I took my frustrations out on a couple of the stock until I felt better.
Then I hit them some more because I WAS feeling better.
Hate the job, but at least it’s got perks.
Plant 11th, 174
Florin got knifed today. Some gutless stock got a hold on a camp knife and buried it into Florin’s breadbasket. Set the wolfkins on the piece of crap for doing that. None of the stock spoke up as to where the blade came from or acknowledged it beforehand to warn us. Head impresser wants to make an example of their cuteness so we hobbled the cattle together with anklets and yoked them down as well.
Then we marched their asses south. Hard. Try making 4 miles an hour on 2 feet of chain and your back bowed low you scumbags. Skimped on their rations too. Ostal was a bit unhappy about it but Thadar reminded him that you couldn’t look at the stock as people.
After seven years of doing this shit myself, Frigga knows it’s sometimes hard to do.
Plant 12th, 174
Lost three more today. Damned road is playing havoc on out stock. Thadar told me the promise was 14 and after today’s bullshit we’re cutting it close. Two died from the march (one of them that fucking mage with the double chest sucking arrow holes where his lungs were – hehe), and one more was sandbagging. So Thadar gave him one chance to get up before stapling the duplicitous son of a bitch to the ground with a 4’ shaft through his rib cage.
I don’t think we’ll have any more trouble from the stock since they know we mean business.
Plant 13th, 174
We’re keeping them hungry and walking them hard. No more have dropped off which makes me happy. I think I got a bad case of blueballs. I hope to hell there’s something good for me to screw at F Keep.
Hell, I’d even give thought to schtupping a K’Tharkian whore if her breath wasn’t so damned bad.
Told that joke to Thadar who let drop that the Guild has been skimming down the passage funds to the K’Tharkians. I don’t know, but I think that’s bad business.
Always have to keep the toll collectors happy.
Plant 14th, 174
I hate fucking walking. I hate my fucking job. I think I’m going to go stomp on some fucker’s back now just to make myself feel better.
Plant 15th, 174
Made it to the wagoneers which I know is making Ostal happy as a lark. Team spent the morning beating the shit out of the stock just for fun and then split them into 3 groups. Chained those fuckers to the wagon floor and had some of the boys toss in a couple of arm loads of hay. One of them got cute and tried to pull the chains but Gumrid clocked him with a SBG stick and we cracked the scum’s knee caps for a bit to remind him not to do it again.
Thadar loaded the strong boxes with foodstuffs and clothes, some trade goods, and the strongbox of coins. Other gear was stowed as well. In addition, whatever junk the fences didn’t feel comfortable pawning in Dilabria came with us. With luck we might be able to trade it at F Keep with other Guildmates or if we do encounter the K’Tharkian’s we can foist it off on them.
Ostal got us a pair of oxen which was good for me. Ponies go faster but they ain’t as strong and I’d rather have 2 oxen than 4 ponies. And then we were off. Which works for me, because I was getting tired of walking.
Makes me wonder that if I was tired of walking, how tired were the stock?
Plant 16th, 174
This trip is fucking boring.
Plant 17th, 174
Finally made it to the Dusty Mountains. Been traveling up the old stunty traderoads for the better part of today. They wind a bit but it takes us higher and away from Orihalcus. Not that we need to go there, just happy to have the caravan not make an unnecessary stop where some nosey do gooder might ask to see our paperwork before we have any for this stock.
Smuggling ain’t exactly glamorous work, but you don’t have to be a moron to understand it.
Plant 18th, 174
Fucking raining this morning. I know Thadar is getting pissed off, he’s been grumbling since breakfast. I got a funny feeling he’s going to give Ostal an ass ripping.
Meet 6, Adv 2, 11/3/07
The party had their first opportunity NOT to be railroaded here - lots of options and I left it open ended on how they could achieve them - many different ways to get to their goals. There was a good hour plus in real time during the start of the meeting where they talked and discussed and tried to come up with as many working plans as they could to achieve their goals. I also remember actually marching time in game forward at the same pace as their discussions - so if they wanted to assault the K'Tharkian Kobold clan during day light hours - they were wasting valuable time.
They did eventually coalesce which made me much happier - and at the end of the meeting - we had acquired a sizable force of heroes to help us in our crusade against Kuluk (oh...and getting treasure...and exacting petty revenge against the slaver Thadar who had engineered their capture).
Write up follows:
The group huddled behind the berm of mounded hay bales and stretched skins that made up the targeting area of the K'Tharkian Homewarren training grounds, safely out of sight of the main guard tower as well as the rest of the encampment. It was here that we went back and forth talking about what our plans were and are – defining 3 main objectives: "Rescue" Thadar (the slaver), Attempt to take out Kuluk, and recover what riches and treasures the kobold's have to pay off the Drywood clan as well as Lord Walter.
It was the execution of these plans that had the group at odds with one another.
There was a strong but non-unanimous push to enter the caverns and try to find a back door to Kuluk’s – but there was concern over wasting daylight, capture, detection, and a departure from our main goal which is/was to get the slaver. The clock kept moving forward and the party had to act now and soon.
In the glare of the mid day sun, Zoltan and Asgirda crept up the side of the encampment, following the ramp of stone till they were able to achieve entrance to the caves. Once there, they began to scout, trusting to the shadows and relying on Asgirda's ability to see in the dark – counting off paces to themselves to keep track of where they are and where to go. There were arguing miners, abandoned carts, strange trilling in the dark, and working kobolds. It was like a labyrinth in there, but mapable for the duo to a point. Feeling that they had pushed their luck, the bard and the bugbear made their way back to the party.
Meanwhile, while the two of them were inside, the group watched a lone youthful kobold come out of the colorful tent, walk to the cistern, get two buckets of water, take them to the central guard tower (knocking 6 times composed of three groups of two) and then go off to the larger building and get a drag skin filled with food – also eventually depositing it to the guards.
Karis was getting antsy and wanted to storm the tower now – but there was worry since we hadn't heard from Zoltan and Asgirda yet. He waited and the two of them returned, sharing with the party what they had learned. Brief and angry discussion followed and then it was decided – go to caves and find way to Kuluk.
While trying to make it to caves, Detheron slipped and fell, attracting the attention of the tower – which we were dismayed to find out had fire beetles like Ringo – except full sized adults and capable of supporting a kobold warrior in flight. At the last moment when the kobold guard and beetle were very close, the druid bounded to his feet and Puck cast a distraction spell which turned the guard's attention away. We waited just inside the entrance, baited breath, but we had not been discovered and the guard and beetle went back to the tower.
The mine cave. We went in and went up to center split towards the strange trilling sound. Floor was covered with small bones and while walking through, a fleshy length of tube shot out of the darkness and slapped into the side of Karis' head. He was dragged across the room and the party leapt to his aid. Flames did not seem to affect the tongue/tube, and weapons were struck against it and held fast as Asgirda and Gwyn lost their club and scimitar.
While dragging Karis back who was getting hurt by the strange tongue, a giant spider dropped out of the dark and launched itself at the dwarf, biting him and causing him to fight for his life. Stones were thrown, the tongue was cut, and a monstrous looking beetle lumbered out of the darkness and tried to assault the group. Flarg and Karis did first line battle while others helped and more spiders came at the cave fisher's call. Rest of the battle was furious and Ringo suffered a poisonous bite from the spider but a successful melee finished things up.
It was decided to heal up quickly and then move on before others came to discover the strange noises – we went to the right, relying on Gwyn's skills to guide us in the direction of Kuluk's home. There was a storage area where we took bars, picks, and two small casks of lubricating oil (I sense "fire" coming up at some point here), and then we stumbled on a half dozen sleeping kobolds who were supposed to be mining but were sleeping instead. There was a brutal slaying of the somnolent monsters and Karis looted their pockets while Zoltan set up a simple alarm made of rope and bars to warn us if any follow.
The mine split – one way leading to a roped off area with signs showing dead bodies and teeth and decapitated heads – and the other way was clear. We decided to go to the clear side. Passed a small area with a visible iron vein on the wall and came to another storage area near a hole in the ground over 12' in diameter – numerous rope ladders lashed together and going down into the darkness. Party decided to go down, even though it would take us towards Kuluk but would place us "under" his ridge line.
There was a long rough hewn corridor that eventually ended in some sort of larder filled with foodstuffs, water, and survival gear. From there we kept going, the feel of fresh air getting stronger, till we saw both the exit OUT to the main encampment as well as a room where they paddock the fire beetles, half a dozen of the animals there and a dozen catering kobolds at least.
We retreated back to the rope ladder and rethought of our trip – feeling that we missed something.
We went to the corridor that was roped off and had warning signs, sending Zoltan and Asgirda down to scout it out. There was a strange room with a scum lined green tinged pool and an oddly indented rocky niche on the opposite side. Attempts to go past the pool had some strange ooze crawl out of the water towards whoever it was, forcing them to retreat. Rest of the group was brought up and we discussed plans. It was discovered by Detheron and Zoltan that fire would keep the greenish ooze at bay, allowing both of them the get to the rocky area, the dwarf Gwyn brought along.
Wall was smooth and featureless – not at all natural. No doors, but it was made by something strange. Puck's divination uncovered that there was a faint dweomer of magic in the area, leading the party to deduce it was made magically. Meanwhile Gwyn used the auger we had found and slowly drilled a hole in it, eventually seeing a room lit, some sort of chains or some such on the wall, and a filthy smell coming from within.
Decided to break it down so Flarg and Karis went to town on the wall – chipping and picking it down while Detheron kept the ooze at bay – until the wall was eventually burst open and the party was able to enter. The stonework here was nothing like the rest of the mine – clean, smooth, well crafted floors, walls, and ceilings. A few tables, manacles, hooks, knife cases, braziers, torture devices, old dead bodies, and two prisoners were here.
One was a one eyed poxed elf in a cage too small from him, his legs covered in sores and sticking out through the bars. The other was an odd 3' tall brown gnomelike figure in fingerlocks hanging from the hooks on chains. There was a door on the other side of the room where Flarg went to stand guard – but it was closed and locked.
Detheron administered healing on the very wounded two while they were freed of their bonds and given water and gently questioned. Elf was Thistle Aesirson, a devout follower of Thor who was following a vision to the Dusty Mountains where he was captured by kobolds and ogres about 2 months ago and brought here where he has been abused and tortured by Kuluk. The other, Gureroddon, called himself a pecs (pronounced: PESH) and said that his clan had been slaughtered by orcs, he was the last, and had been sold to Kuluk a year ago – kept here as a prisoner.
Thistle kept asking for a hammer, any hammer, and Flarg gave him his while Zoltan went to the door and tried to open it (failing it – the lock was pretty good). Once with a hammer in his hand, he was able to pray to his god, having his pox removed and healing some of the damage on his wounded legs. He is still one eyed and no amount of magical healing will cure the internal injuries and the deep scarring he has suffered to his soul. He returned the warhammer and Zoltan gave the priest a smaller mining hammer in return.
Gureroddon was missing his left ear and part of his cheek but was more than willing to go with the party to help them defeat Kuluk. He offered to help with the door Zoltan was having trouble with by plunging his hand into the stone floor and making the rest of the rock peel away as if water from the hinges and lock. This also explained the featureless wall that the party broke through – as Kuluk often has the pecs do this when he seeks to walk through.
In game time it is between 5:30 and 5:45 and there is an hour or so until sunset and we figure the K'Tharkian's will be awake – so if there was ever any time to assault Kuluk – it has to be soon and now. Gureroddon assured us that the doors eventually lead to Kuluk's home – there is a meeting room, some chamber with a strange demon bear, and then a corridor leading to Kuluk's house.
So the party girded itself and made ready to march on to do battle with the K'Tharkian chief – our group now numbering 11:
Karis (half ogre knight)
Detheron (human druid)
Puck (human sorcerer)
Gwynwyver (dwarven fighter)
Zoltan (human thief bard)
Ringo (sub adult fire beetle)
Fodder (wolfkin)
Asgirda (bugbear scout and archer)
Flarg (bugbear brawler)
Thistle (elven cleric to Thor)
Gureroddon (pecs fighter)
That was about where we ended it. We know time is against us now and we don't feel comfortable going all the way back through the kobold mines and try to sneak out of camp. So far we still have the advantage of surprise and we are hoping to keep pressing forward and taking advantage of it.
They did eventually coalesce which made me much happier - and at the end of the meeting - we had acquired a sizable force of heroes to help us in our crusade against Kuluk (oh...and getting treasure...and exacting petty revenge against the slaver Thadar who had engineered their capture).
Write up follows:
The group huddled behind the berm of mounded hay bales and stretched skins that made up the targeting area of the K'Tharkian Homewarren training grounds, safely out of sight of the main guard tower as well as the rest of the encampment. It was here that we went back and forth talking about what our plans were and are – defining 3 main objectives: "Rescue" Thadar (the slaver), Attempt to take out Kuluk, and recover what riches and treasures the kobold's have to pay off the Drywood clan as well as Lord Walter.
It was the execution of these plans that had the group at odds with one another.
There was a strong but non-unanimous push to enter the caverns and try to find a back door to Kuluk’s – but there was concern over wasting daylight, capture, detection, and a departure from our main goal which is/was to get the slaver. The clock kept moving forward and the party had to act now and soon.
In the glare of the mid day sun, Zoltan and Asgirda crept up the side of the encampment, following the ramp of stone till they were able to achieve entrance to the caves. Once there, they began to scout, trusting to the shadows and relying on Asgirda's ability to see in the dark – counting off paces to themselves to keep track of where they are and where to go. There were arguing miners, abandoned carts, strange trilling in the dark, and working kobolds. It was like a labyrinth in there, but mapable for the duo to a point. Feeling that they had pushed their luck, the bard and the bugbear made their way back to the party.
Meanwhile, while the two of them were inside, the group watched a lone youthful kobold come out of the colorful tent, walk to the cistern, get two buckets of water, take them to the central guard tower (knocking 6 times composed of three groups of two) and then go off to the larger building and get a drag skin filled with food – also eventually depositing it to the guards.
Karis was getting antsy and wanted to storm the tower now – but there was worry since we hadn't heard from Zoltan and Asgirda yet. He waited and the two of them returned, sharing with the party what they had learned. Brief and angry discussion followed and then it was decided – go to caves and find way to Kuluk.
While trying to make it to caves, Detheron slipped and fell, attracting the attention of the tower – which we were dismayed to find out had fire beetles like Ringo – except full sized adults and capable of supporting a kobold warrior in flight. At the last moment when the kobold guard and beetle were very close, the druid bounded to his feet and Puck cast a distraction spell which turned the guard's attention away. We waited just inside the entrance, baited breath, but we had not been discovered and the guard and beetle went back to the tower.
The mine cave. We went in and went up to center split towards the strange trilling sound. Floor was covered with small bones and while walking through, a fleshy length of tube shot out of the darkness and slapped into the side of Karis' head. He was dragged across the room and the party leapt to his aid. Flames did not seem to affect the tongue/tube, and weapons were struck against it and held fast as Asgirda and Gwyn lost their club and scimitar.
While dragging Karis back who was getting hurt by the strange tongue, a giant spider dropped out of the dark and launched itself at the dwarf, biting him and causing him to fight for his life. Stones were thrown, the tongue was cut, and a monstrous looking beetle lumbered out of the darkness and tried to assault the group. Flarg and Karis did first line battle while others helped and more spiders came at the cave fisher's call. Rest of the battle was furious and Ringo suffered a poisonous bite from the spider but a successful melee finished things up.
It was decided to heal up quickly and then move on before others came to discover the strange noises – we went to the right, relying on Gwyn's skills to guide us in the direction of Kuluk's home. There was a storage area where we took bars, picks, and two small casks of lubricating oil (I sense "fire" coming up at some point here), and then we stumbled on a half dozen sleeping kobolds who were supposed to be mining but were sleeping instead. There was a brutal slaying of the somnolent monsters and Karis looted their pockets while Zoltan set up a simple alarm made of rope and bars to warn us if any follow.
The mine split – one way leading to a roped off area with signs showing dead bodies and teeth and decapitated heads – and the other way was clear. We decided to go to the clear side. Passed a small area with a visible iron vein on the wall and came to another storage area near a hole in the ground over 12' in diameter – numerous rope ladders lashed together and going down into the darkness. Party decided to go down, even though it would take us towards Kuluk but would place us "under" his ridge line.
There was a long rough hewn corridor that eventually ended in some sort of larder filled with foodstuffs, water, and survival gear. From there we kept going, the feel of fresh air getting stronger, till we saw both the exit OUT to the main encampment as well as a room where they paddock the fire beetles, half a dozen of the animals there and a dozen catering kobolds at least.
We retreated back to the rope ladder and rethought of our trip – feeling that we missed something.
We went to the corridor that was roped off and had warning signs, sending Zoltan and Asgirda down to scout it out. There was a strange room with a scum lined green tinged pool and an oddly indented rocky niche on the opposite side. Attempts to go past the pool had some strange ooze crawl out of the water towards whoever it was, forcing them to retreat. Rest of the group was brought up and we discussed plans. It was discovered by Detheron and Zoltan that fire would keep the greenish ooze at bay, allowing both of them the get to the rocky area, the dwarf Gwyn brought along.
Wall was smooth and featureless – not at all natural. No doors, but it was made by something strange. Puck's divination uncovered that there was a faint dweomer of magic in the area, leading the party to deduce it was made magically. Meanwhile Gwyn used the auger we had found and slowly drilled a hole in it, eventually seeing a room lit, some sort of chains or some such on the wall, and a filthy smell coming from within.
Decided to break it down so Flarg and Karis went to town on the wall – chipping and picking it down while Detheron kept the ooze at bay – until the wall was eventually burst open and the party was able to enter. The stonework here was nothing like the rest of the mine – clean, smooth, well crafted floors, walls, and ceilings. A few tables, manacles, hooks, knife cases, braziers, torture devices, old dead bodies, and two prisoners were here.
One was a one eyed poxed elf in a cage too small from him, his legs covered in sores and sticking out through the bars. The other was an odd 3' tall brown gnomelike figure in fingerlocks hanging from the hooks on chains. There was a door on the other side of the room where Flarg went to stand guard – but it was closed and locked.
Detheron administered healing on the very wounded two while they were freed of their bonds and given water and gently questioned. Elf was Thistle Aesirson, a devout follower of Thor who was following a vision to the Dusty Mountains where he was captured by kobolds and ogres about 2 months ago and brought here where he has been abused and tortured by Kuluk. The other, Gureroddon, called himself a pecs (pronounced: PESH) and said that his clan had been slaughtered by orcs, he was the last, and had been sold to Kuluk a year ago – kept here as a prisoner.
Thistle kept asking for a hammer, any hammer, and Flarg gave him his while Zoltan went to the door and tried to open it (failing it – the lock was pretty good). Once with a hammer in his hand, he was able to pray to his god, having his pox removed and healing some of the damage on his wounded legs. He is still one eyed and no amount of magical healing will cure the internal injuries and the deep scarring he has suffered to his soul. He returned the warhammer and Zoltan gave the priest a smaller mining hammer in return.
Gureroddon was missing his left ear and part of his cheek but was more than willing to go with the party to help them defeat Kuluk. He offered to help with the door Zoltan was having trouble with by plunging his hand into the stone floor and making the rest of the rock peel away as if water from the hinges and lock. This also explained the featureless wall that the party broke through – as Kuluk often has the pecs do this when he seeks to walk through.
In game time it is between 5:30 and 5:45 and there is an hour or so until sunset and we figure the K'Tharkian's will be awake – so if there was ever any time to assault Kuluk – it has to be soon and now. Gureroddon assured us that the doors eventually lead to Kuluk's home – there is a meeting room, some chamber with a strange demon bear, and then a corridor leading to Kuluk's house.
So the party girded itself and made ready to march on to do battle with the K'Tharkian chief – our group now numbering 11:
Karis (half ogre knight)
Detheron (human druid)
Puck (human sorcerer)
Gwynwyver (dwarven fighter)
Zoltan (human thief bard)
Ringo (sub adult fire beetle)
Fodder (wolfkin)
Asgirda (bugbear scout and archer)
Flarg (bugbear brawler)
Thistle (elven cleric to Thor)
Gureroddon (pecs fighter)
That was about where we ended it. We know time is against us now and we don't feel comfortable going all the way back through the kobold mines and try to sneak out of camp. So far we still have the advantage of surprise and we are hoping to keep pressing forward and taking advantage of it.
Meet 5, Adv 2, 10/27/07
This marked the official start of the second adventure. As for a write-up, it's fairly short as there was much role-playing and setting up of our characters over the last two meetings with equipment, gear, and other needs and necessities. So this would mark the first time the party is actually geared up to go against a foe of any kind.
And yes, they finally have shoes. :)
Write up follows:
Detheron was formally recognized by the Orihalcus Greengrocer Coalition and investitured along with his bondmate animal companion as a friend to Frey and aspirant druid. Puck was verbally accosted by his mentor but also given a heads up. Karis and Zoltan had tea and scones with Lady Arian. Gwyn knocks before entering. And Zoltan had developed onion breath after conversation.
And it didn't end there. We visited Dellia's shop and Karis practiced his diplomacy on the 2'9" halfling seamstress with punching fists on countertops and accusations and sword and threats and her father coming down and crying children and the tower watch needing to pay a visit. Zoltan was at the Tavern drinking kvass and beer. :)
We worried about the tabards and there is concern that Kalt, Sir Slaine's nephew is not a trustworthy personage. There was a stolen chicken and kobolds were spotted in the midden again as well as crossing the postherds and attacking the coalition.
We finally had audience with Sir Walter and learned that it was more than that. There is no registered slaver named "Djohrgahd" and the heraldry was not identified yet. We got a letter from Hedonim who wishes us well and will try to find more slaver information for us. The kobolds had stolen seed and oxen and tools and killed and wounded Orihalcan citizens and the time for action was now. You were commissioned to go to the K'Tharkian homewarren and kill Kuluk if possible and hurt/harm the kobolds to give them repercussions for their actions. Scouts reported seeing at least one human in their camp - a human whose description matched that of one of the slavers who had captured the group.
You took the mission, got a map, agreeing to return to Sir Walter 10% off all that is found (and then some) and he had the ecclesiastic treasury muster forth a case of healing draughts (24) and you were off.
You decided to veer from the planned path and sought out the Drywood clan and Arnax the bugbear to gather more aid. He was pleased to see you, now named as sub-chief (subaltern) to his clan. Altern Lamatous was not so swiftly happy to see you - especially since you said you were here for help and bugbear aid to assault K'Tharkians - which he said was fool hardy. There was lots of discussion and he agreed to send two of his people: Asgirda a skilled tracker and archer and Flarg a mighty warrior and brawler. Deal is that if either of his people die, party puts up 25 crowns in coin or goods to pay for funerary rites and honor - and the party is to give up 1/4 of any treasures uncovered to the Drywood clan that they will use to honor the Ogrelord Compact.
Followed various paths after this around Sjorn's Crag and came to the K'Tharkian encampment which was read as:
Asgirda warned us that there was a guard post just before the entrance and if we were to sneak into the camp - it was going to have to be past them. Which meant taking them out. We had lots of plans (involving fire) and plots to get in and get to Kuluk and the slaver (such as - setting the boars on fire - which Detheron was very against) and what to do with the slaver when we got him (I believe quadriplegic was brought up and discarded) - some of them silly - others serious.
It was settled on take out 1st guard platform, sneak around camp perimeter and enter the cavern area and follow along till we get to Kuluk's "back door". Zoltan snuck up, climbed, counted off 6 guards - and attracted their attention with a bang on the stone side with his weapon hilt. Gwyn shot one, Puck shot another, Asgirda shot a third. Flarg took a potion of jumping and leaped into the guard position - killing one of them. Zoltan struck from the shadows killing a 5th, and Ringo the beetle slammed into the last, carrying the kobold over the edge and most of the way back to his master. The tower eliminated, the group ran and hid around the curving wall in the training area and paused to get their bearing.
We know we have 6-7 hours of daylight where the K'Tharkians are at a disadvantage against us and we are going to maximize as much of that as possible.
And yes, they finally have shoes. :)
Write up follows:
Detheron was formally recognized by the Orihalcus Greengrocer Coalition and investitured along with his bondmate animal companion as a friend to Frey and aspirant druid. Puck was verbally accosted by his mentor but also given a heads up. Karis and Zoltan had tea and scones with Lady Arian. Gwyn knocks before entering. And Zoltan had developed onion breath after conversation.
And it didn't end there. We visited Dellia's shop and Karis practiced his diplomacy on the 2'9" halfling seamstress with punching fists on countertops and accusations and sword and threats and her father coming down and crying children and the tower watch needing to pay a visit. Zoltan was at the Tavern drinking kvass and beer. :)
We worried about the tabards and there is concern that Kalt, Sir Slaine's nephew is not a trustworthy personage. There was a stolen chicken and kobolds were spotted in the midden again as well as crossing the postherds and attacking the coalition.
We finally had audience with Sir Walter and learned that it was more than that. There is no registered slaver named "Djohrgahd" and the heraldry was not identified yet. We got a letter from Hedonim who wishes us well and will try to find more slaver information for us. The kobolds had stolen seed and oxen and tools and killed and wounded Orihalcan citizens and the time for action was now. You were commissioned to go to the K'Tharkian homewarren and kill Kuluk if possible and hurt/harm the kobolds to give them repercussions for their actions. Scouts reported seeing at least one human in their camp - a human whose description matched that of one of the slavers who had captured the group.
You took the mission, got a map, agreeing to return to Sir Walter 10% off all that is found (and then some) and he had the ecclesiastic treasury muster forth a case of healing draughts (24) and you were off.
You decided to veer from the planned path and sought out the Drywood clan and Arnax the bugbear to gather more aid. He was pleased to see you, now named as sub-chief (subaltern) to his clan. Altern Lamatous was not so swiftly happy to see you - especially since you said you were here for help and bugbear aid to assault K'Tharkians - which he said was fool hardy. There was lots of discussion and he agreed to send two of his people: Asgirda a skilled tracker and archer and Flarg a mighty warrior and brawler. Deal is that if either of his people die, party puts up 25 crowns in coin or goods to pay for funerary rites and honor - and the party is to give up 1/4 of any treasures uncovered to the Drywood clan that they will use to honor the Ogrelord Compact.
Followed various paths after this around Sjorn's Crag and came to the K'Tharkian encampment which was read as:
The rough walls of the canyon are wide, great sides of striated stone blanket either side of the moss and earth covered ground you are walking upon. Old spears and splintered shields are set into mounded rocks like cairns, hairy and grisly trophies dangling from them as markers for whoever lies dead under the stones. The path turns and broadens and you can see the expanse of the canyon that is the K'Tharkian Homewarren.
Roughly oval shaped at over 400' at its widest, and 200' the other way, the area has all the look and feel of some sort of primitive village. A double shelf of stone rings the canyon, 80' off the floor, the right side dominated by two imposing stone and hide structures warded by a pair of lookout towers, the left side having a monstrous sized hole carved into the rock like an open wound, a sturdy scaffolding of lumbered trees and hewn planks set before it. A ramp of stone runs up the right and left sides of the camp, allowing access to the upper ridge that way as well as at least two steep ladders that have been lashed to the canyon wall.
The floor of the warren is quarter covered with circular huts of stone and hide, capped with sticks and moss; each one maybe 20' in diameter. A central pit has been set in the heart of the camp, ringed with stones and lined with bricks stolen from Orihalcus, a smoldering fire of charred logs and embers burns.
Beyond the fire pit a larger tented home twice the size of other huts is colored with a cacophony of colorful dyes, the wolf headed symbol of Fenris and the flaming sword of Sutur repeated continuously. Just to the left of the entrance, a sizeable area of the ground has been roped and staked off, straw dummies, round targets, and hundreds of well made javelins stacked comfortably.
At the base of the scaffolding is a fenced palisade that doubles as a corral for the bellowing and keening animals that currently inhabit the 60' square enclosure, and a holding pen designed as a cage made of stout sticks and scavenged metal; elevated 20' off the ground and affixed to the side of a central guard tower of sturdy timber that you can see is manned by watchful kobold warriors.
Asgirda warned us that there was a guard post just before the entrance and if we were to sneak into the camp - it was going to have to be past them. Which meant taking them out. We had lots of plans (involving fire) and plots to get in and get to Kuluk and the slaver (such as - setting the boars on fire - which Detheron was very against) and what to do with the slaver when we got him (I believe quadriplegic was brought up and discarded) - some of them silly - others serious.
It was settled on take out 1st guard platform, sneak around camp perimeter and enter the cavern area and follow along till we get to Kuluk's "back door". Zoltan snuck up, climbed, counted off 6 guards - and attracted their attention with a bang on the stone side with his weapon hilt. Gwyn shot one, Puck shot another, Asgirda shot a third. Flarg took a potion of jumping and leaped into the guard position - killing one of them. Zoltan struck from the shadows killing a 5th, and Ringo the beetle slammed into the last, carrying the kobold over the edge and most of the way back to his master. The tower eliminated, the group ran and hid around the curving wall in the training area and paused to get their bearing.
We know we have 6-7 hours of daylight where the K'Tharkians are at a disadvantage against us and we are going to maximize as much of that as possible.
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