It was slowly getting darker. They'd spotted a few of the hamsters and sailors who made their way through the jungle underneath them. Ragnar was flying in circles above them to spot gorillas in time, Durin and Thesis were flying higher to spot the remnants of ballons in the trees and Eolar was flying ahead to scout for a save path through the dense undergrowth.
The sun was slowly setting at the horizon when Eolar saw the strange tree in the middle of the clearing. It wasn't the kind of tree they'd seen so far, but a tall fir tree.
The clearing looked like a good place to make camp for the night and Eolar had a strange feeling about the fir tree. He urged his companions to make their way towards it and materialised next to the tree.
After a while the whole group was gathering around it. A peaceful feeling filled the air. Bodush was the first to act. He cast dancing lights on the tree which gave it a sparkely look. Eolar looked at it in joy and a table with food and drink for everybody appeared next to the tree. The travellers ate and drank and one after another gathered around the tree where people started to tell stories. Durin even intoned a few peaceful dwarfen songs. For this night they forgot the dangers and perils around them. It was a special night!
Happy holidays everybody!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Higher up the Evolutionary Tree
His ape foot soldiers have been badly hurt. Despite his clever use of tactics the enemy has defeated them…
No not defeated.
They fled…
Somehow.
Some transformed themselves into clouds, some simply vanished into thin air.
Still powerful as they are, they're just flesh.
Their blood still stains the soil.
And the ones found by themselves…
Hanging from the trees.
Easy pickings.
Gathering the biggest of his minions around him, he gives his orders.
“Oook, ook ooooka ook!”
No not defeated.
They fled…
Somehow.
Some transformed themselves into clouds, some simply vanished into thin air.
Still powerful as they are, they're just flesh.
Their blood still stains the soil.
And the ones found by themselves…
Hanging from the trees.
Easy pickings.
Gathering the biggest of his minions around him, he gives his orders.
“Oook, ook ooooka ook!”
Friday, December 18, 2009
We’ve got to get out of this Ape place
Experience from the ape encounter… Not much else.
Here are the current scores (In experience order):
Only Durin managed to squeak up a level.
Eolar: Level 16: 133,966xp
Mendez: Level 16: 133,961xp (Gah!)
Thes-hiss: Level 16: 127,190xp
Bodush: Level 15: 109,539xp
Durin: Level 13: 91,308xp (Up to 14th level!)
Hawkmoon: Level 13: 79,491xp
Mara’ch: Level 12: 76,585xp
Ragnar: Level 12: 75,584xp
Eolar’s still in the lead.
:(
But only just.
:)
Here are the current scores (In experience order):
Only Durin managed to squeak up a level.
Eolar: Level 16: 133,966xp
Mendez: Level 16: 133,961xp (Gah!)
Thes-hiss: Level 16: 127,190xp
Bodush: Level 15: 109,539xp
Durin: Level 13: 91,308xp (Up to 14th level!)
Hawkmoon: Level 13: 79,491xp
Mara’ch: Level 12: 76,585xp
Ragnar: Level 12: 75,584xp
Eolar’s still in the lead.
:(
But only just.
:)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Roc (He) 3
Settling back onto his clutch of eggs, the mighty Roc watches the distant coastline of Ape Island.
If that thing moves again, he will make sure it dies this time.
He has eaten recently and can wait as long as it takes
If that thing moves again, he will make sure it dies this time.
He has eaten recently and can wait as long as it takes
Roc (He) 2
Hampered by the need to keep the eggs warm, he cannot be away from the nest too long.
Travelling in widening circles, he looks for the cause of his pain.
The loss of his mate will be avenged.
Finally he sees it.
The beached bubble and hard thing.
He has seen this before many seasons ago and defeated it then.
If it dares rise again he will defeat it once more.
Travelling in widening circles, he looks for the cause of his pain.
The loss of his mate will be avenged.
Finally he sees it.
The beached bubble and hard thing.
He has seen this before many seasons ago and defeated it then.
If it dares rise again he will defeat it once more.
Roc (He)
With a screech of anguish, the mighty Roc circles over the carcass of his mate.
She partially floats in the water below, already food for the myriad aquatic scavengers.
Whatever could have done this?
Whatever it was, it would have to be able to fly.
Whatever it is, it is going to die!
She partially floats in the water below, already food for the myriad aquatic scavengers.
Whatever could have done this?
Whatever it was, it would have to be able to fly.
Whatever it is, it is going to die!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Game date change
Hi All,
As Assif can't keep track of dates but we all love him anyway, the game session has been moved back to Thursday the 17th of December.
As I imagine that this will be the last game until the new year, I'll be bringing a Santa hat and extra beer.
I may be late but I'll try to arrange not to be.
Assif will bring the mince pies (at least 12) as a thank you to everyone else for not having social lives.
;)
As Assif can't keep track of dates but we all love him anyway, the game session has been moved back to Thursday the 17th of December.
As I imagine that this will be the last game until the new year, I'll be bringing a Santa hat and extra beer.
I may be late but I'll try to arrange not to be.
Assif will bring the mince pies (at least 12) as a thank you to everyone else for not having social lives.
;)
Pellet of the Apes
Considering the standard of the opposition, the situation is actually quite grim.
The Party (Eolar, Thesis, Bodush, Durin, Hawkmoon, Mara’ch and Ragnar) have nursed the stricken Sky-ship to Ape island where it is currently beached.
They have moved inland into the jungle interior searching for any surviving crew-members (who bailed out using assorted two-floating or singular life saver balloons).
Hawkmoon used his arcane powers to discover the locations of a few of them and the Party have so far found three Human sailors and one of the Hamster men.
When they came to the fifth location, they found a ripped harness hanging from a tree and just as they were about to start searching they came under fire from at least a score of apes throwing rocks from the tree-tops.
Despite their crude tactics of whooping and throwing, the cover from the foliage and distance grants them quite an advantage.
Only Hawkmoon seems to be making it difficult for the apes so far.
Most everyone in the Party is injured and two of the Human sailors are unconscious or worse and so is the Hamster-man.
There is a city on the other side of the island but it’s at least 25 miles away!
Also, there are still 6 humans and 9 Hamster-men missing.
Current Hit points:
Mara'ch 37
Eolar 97
Thesis 171
Durin 154
Hawkmoon 61
Bodush 47
Ragnar 104
Initiative Order:
Bodush 23
Thesis 21
Fapes 21
Dapes 20
Napes 19
Mara'ch 19
Hawkmoon 14
Ragnar 14
Durin 7
Eolar 6
Good luck!
The Party (Eolar, Thesis, Bodush, Durin, Hawkmoon, Mara’ch and Ragnar) have nursed the stricken Sky-ship to Ape island where it is currently beached.
They have moved inland into the jungle interior searching for any surviving crew-members (who bailed out using assorted two-floating or singular life saver balloons).
Hawkmoon used his arcane powers to discover the locations of a few of them and the Party have so far found three Human sailors and one of the Hamster men.
When they came to the fifth location, they found a ripped harness hanging from a tree and just as they were about to start searching they came under fire from at least a score of apes throwing rocks from the tree-tops.
Despite their crude tactics of whooping and throwing, the cover from the foliage and distance grants them quite an advantage.
Only Hawkmoon seems to be making it difficult for the apes so far.
Most everyone in the Party is injured and two of the Human sailors are unconscious or worse and so is the Hamster-man.
There is a city on the other side of the island but it’s at least 25 miles away!
Also, there are still 6 humans and 9 Hamster-men missing.
Current Hit points:
Mara'ch 37
Eolar 97
Thesis 171
Durin 154
Hawkmoon 61
Bodush 47
Ragnar 104
Initiative Order:
Bodush 23
Thesis 21
Fapes 21
Dapes 20
Napes 19
Mara'ch 19
Hawkmoon 14
Ragnar 14
Durin 7
Eolar 6
Good luck!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Family trumps Friendship
Looking up from his ledgers, Estaban notices the worry etched on his brother’s face.
“What is it Mendoza? You look upset.”
Speaking in barely more than a whisper, Mendoza responds to his brother’s question.
“You’ve taken things too far this time Estaban. Mendez will not forgive you for endangering his friends.”
Estaban smiles.
“I didn’t have much choice. I need those diamonds to pay off my debts. As for Mendez, of course he’ll forgive me. In fact I’m sure that if those adventurers turn ugly on their return, he’ll choose family over ‘friends’. Frankly I can’t believe he’s been associating with such a wretched group. Sub-humans all, aside from the teenage Sorcerer and even he’s tainted with the stink of Orc.”
Mendoza still doesn’t look convinced.
“Demi-human they may be, but if even half of what Mendez has said about them is true, I won’t be able to stop them.”
Estaban smiles again.
“Don’t you worry little brother. I’ve hired a few mercenaries to help if it comes down to it, and unbeknownst to those idiot adventurers, I have a spy amongst them.”
“What is it Mendoza? You look upset.”
Speaking in barely more than a whisper, Mendoza responds to his brother’s question.
“You’ve taken things too far this time Estaban. Mendez will not forgive you for endangering his friends.”
Estaban smiles.
“I didn’t have much choice. I need those diamonds to pay off my debts. As for Mendez, of course he’ll forgive me. In fact I’m sure that if those adventurers turn ugly on their return, he’ll choose family over ‘friends’. Frankly I can’t believe he’s been associating with such a wretched group. Sub-humans all, aside from the teenage Sorcerer and even he’s tainted with the stink of Orc.”
Mendoza still doesn’t look convinced.
“Demi-human they may be, but if even half of what Mendez has said about them is true, I won’t be able to stop them.”
Estaban smiles again.
“Don’t you worry little brother. I’ve hired a few mercenaries to help if it comes down to it, and unbeknownst to those idiot adventurers, I have a spy amongst them.”
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Short on Thought
Durin futilely rushes to the base of a tree and throws another of his new javelins. The Apes are simply too big to be felled by a single javelin, regardless of how hard he throws it.
His thoughts dark, he starts to conjecture…
Would a three-legged dog fall over when it peed?
His thoughts dark, he starts to conjecture…
Would a three-legged dog fall over when it peed?
Hard Rocks verses Tough Nuts
Thesis hisses in frustration as another rock bounces of his toughened skull.
It’s a worry though, as it appears that Mendez’ ‘tall-tales’ might all be true.
Unbelievably the gigantic Roc was no exaggeration and now these vicious but intelligent seeming apes have proved themselves to be real.
Struggling to recollect what Mendez had told him years ago, Thesis wonders what other creatures they’re likely to encounter on this journey?
It’s a worry though, as it appears that Mendez’ ‘tall-tales’ might all be true.
Unbelievably the gigantic Roc was no exaggeration and now these vicious but intelligent seeming apes have proved themselves to be real.
Struggling to recollect what Mendez had told him years ago, Thesis wonders what other creatures they’re likely to encounter on this journey?
APEbble Problem
Bodush curses as he’s hit by another of the crude missiles.
How is it that mere animals have learnt this trick?
Straining to remember Mendez’ bragging tales of self-aggrandisement, Bodush seems to recall something about throwing rocks in return for fruit…
How is it that mere animals have learnt this trick?
Straining to remember Mendez’ bragging tales of self-aggrandisement, Bodush seems to recall something about throwing rocks in return for fruit…
Liars, Damn Liars and then there's Mendez
Strangely, as Eolar finds himself under a murderous barrage of stones thrown by the carnivorous apes, his thoughts momentarily drift to Mendez.
He’d always thought his swarthy friend given to massive exaggeration, but his recent encounter with the colossal Roc and his current experience with the ferocious apes makes him wonder.
Could all of Mendez’ self-obsessed stories be true?
He’d always thought his swarthy friend given to massive exaggeration, but his recent encounter with the colossal Roc and his current experience with the ferocious apes makes him wonder.
Could all of Mendez’ self-obsessed stories be true?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
New Banner: No Monkey Business
Kirk the killer DM once again taught us a lesson in using ordinary monsters to maximum effect.
I mean, how annoying is it that the apes should be 15 feet up in the trees, with cover, pelting us with stones. We can't get to them with swords and they are not nicely bunched for a fireball. Plus, we have no idea how many there are. Maybe we need a new strategy.
Having said that, put us in a seemingly impossible position with a ridiculously powerful single monster and we totally rule! A Roc with over 800hp stood no chance. Maybe he should have split up and hid in a tree ;)
Also, good to see Mara'ch and Ragnar making their first appearance :)
I mean, how annoying is it that the apes should be 15 feet up in the trees, with cover, pelting us with stones. We can't get to them with swords and they are not nicely bunched for a fireball. Plus, we have no idea how many there are. Maybe we need a new strategy.
Having said that, put us in a seemingly impossible position with a ridiculously powerful single monster and we totally rule! A Roc with over 800hp stood no chance. Maybe he should have split up and hid in a tree ;)
Also, good to see Mara'ch and Ragnar making their first appearance :)
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
Death of a Ranger
Nine years ago today...
The armies of the south were marching toward Shalalah. If they arrived unscathed they would take the city in mere days.
Duban strides into the room. He is dressed for battle in his leather armour, scimitar at his waist and his longbow strapped across his shoulder.
“Mendoza. Estaban. Come gather the boys, we need to help the militia take the battle to the enemy.”
“Don’t be ridiculous Duban. This war needn’t be our concern. Let the armies battle. I’m sure I can persuade the city’s new Regent to leave my land unmolested.”
“I can’t do that Estaban. This won’t be a bloodless coup. The Southern army will kill a large portion of the population just as an example. Some say they intend to kill at least half of the men, warriors or not. Their leader is an evil man and I cannot abide evil.”
“You’re a fool Duban. I won’t allow my sons to involve themselves in a pointless war. I forbid you to go as well. I'll need you and Mendoza here, just in case.”
“I’ve always stood by you Estaban. Even when I wasn’t sure of your reasons or methods. But this is too important. If you won’t come with me then I must go alone.”
With that Duban the archer and idol of the thirteen-year-old Mendez, left the room, never to be seen alive again.
The armies of the south were marching toward Shalalah. If they arrived unscathed they would take the city in mere days.
Duban strides into the room. He is dressed for battle in his leather armour, scimitar at his waist and his longbow strapped across his shoulder.
“Mendoza. Estaban. Come gather the boys, we need to help the militia take the battle to the enemy.”
“Don’t be ridiculous Duban. This war needn’t be our concern. Let the armies battle. I’m sure I can persuade the city’s new Regent to leave my land unmolested.”
“I can’t do that Estaban. This won’t be a bloodless coup. The Southern army will kill a large portion of the population just as an example. Some say they intend to kill at least half of the men, warriors or not. Their leader is an evil man and I cannot abide evil.”
“You’re a fool Duban. I won’t allow my sons to involve themselves in a pointless war. I forbid you to go as well. I'll need you and Mendoza here, just in case.”
“I’ve always stood by you Estaban. Even when I wasn’t sure of your reasons or methods. But this is too important. If you won’t come with me then I must go alone.”
With that Duban the archer and idol of the thirteen-year-old Mendez, left the room, never to be seen alive again.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Eolaaaaaaaaaaagh!
Groaning softly as he comes around, the huge Ragnar rubs his temples.
He was sure he'd only drunk moderately...
Looking around he finds that he's somehow back on the Sky-ship. Staggering to his feet he leans over the side and can see an island pass by miles below. It's got a very strange looking mountain at its centre.
Slowly his memory returns to him...
A song...
An Island covered in diamonds...
Serpents!
His train of thought is interrupted however, by the Elf: Hawkmoon calling down from the rigging.
Is that a bird flying towards them?
No, it's too big to be a bird...
By the Mace of St Cuthbert, surely it's too massive even to fly?
Suddenly the air is rent with blasts of flame from the youthful Sorcerer and arrow after arrow zips through the sky, shot from Hawkmoon's magical bow.
Everything suddenly falls into chaos with the Sky-ship crew yelling instructions to each other,
Then, impossibly fast, the colossal creature is above them and it starts to slash and rend the fragile air-sacks over his head.
With a sickening crunch, the Sky-ship lurches sideways and down.
Ragnar's massive bulk works against him and he finds himself pitched sideways towards the side-rail.
He watches in dismay as the rigging proves just out of his reach.
For a dizzying moment Ragnar finds himself hovering in the air...
He's already calling Eolar's name when he starts to fall...
He was sure he'd only drunk moderately...
Looking around he finds that he's somehow back on the Sky-ship. Staggering to his feet he leans over the side and can see an island pass by miles below. It's got a very strange looking mountain at its centre.
Slowly his memory returns to him...
A song...
An Island covered in diamonds...
Serpents!
His train of thought is interrupted however, by the Elf: Hawkmoon calling down from the rigging.
Is that a bird flying towards them?
No, it's too big to be a bird...
By the Mace of St Cuthbert, surely it's too massive even to fly?
Suddenly the air is rent with blasts of flame from the youthful Sorcerer and arrow after arrow zips through the sky, shot from Hawkmoon's magical bow.
Everything suddenly falls into chaos with the Sky-ship crew yelling instructions to each other,
Then, impossibly fast, the colossal creature is above them and it starts to slash and rend the fragile air-sacks over his head.
With a sickening crunch, the Sky-ship lurches sideways and down.
Ragnar's massive bulk works against him and he finds himself pitched sideways towards the side-rail.
He watches in dismay as the rigging proves just out of his reach.
For a dizzying moment Ragnar finds himself hovering in the air...
He's already calling Eolar's name when he starts to fall...
Between a Roc and the Ape place
Experience from the surprisingly high (CR21 vs PL17) Roc encounter…
I haven’t included the experience for the handful of carnivorous apes yet and I WON’T allow anyone to level until you get to a safe place and rest…
But here are the current scores (In experience order):
Eolar: Level 16: 132,581xp
Mendez: Level 16: 132,414xp
Thes-hiss: Level 16: 125,805xp
Bodush: Level 14: 108,204xp (Up to 15th level!)
Durin: Level 13: 89,923xp
Hawkmoon: Level 12: 78,056xp (Up to 13th level!)
Mara’ch: Level 12: 75,500xp
Ragnar: Level 12: 74,550xp
Thanks to those lovely item creation feats, Mendez has ground Eolar’s lead down experience lead to just over a hundred.
After much debate, Thesis has had his experience and level adjusted for ease AND expedience.
:)
[edit Sven: Eolar spent 640XP on belt of giant strength and 200XP on his chain shirt enhancement from +2 to +3]
I haven’t included the experience for the handful of carnivorous apes yet and I WON’T allow anyone to level until you get to a safe place and rest…
But here are the current scores (In experience order):
Eolar: Level 16: 132,581xp
Mendez: Level 16: 132,414xp
Thes-hiss: Level 16: 125,805xp
Bodush: Level 14: 108,204xp (Up to 15th level!)
Durin: Level 13: 89,923xp
Hawkmoon: Level 12: 78,056xp (Up to 13th level!)
Mara’ch: Level 12: 75,500xp
Ragnar: Level 12: 74,550xp
Thanks to those lovely item creation feats, Mendez has ground Eolar’s lead down experience lead to just over a hundred.
After much debate, Thesis has had his experience and level adjusted for ease AND expedience.
:)
[edit Sven: Eolar spent 640XP on belt of giant strength and 200XP on his chain shirt enhancement from +2 to +3]
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Missing Chen’s fleet feet and Wer’s bear behind
The journey to Shalalah…
Looking back towards the distant shore, Mendez feels a pang of regret.
Where have Chen and Wer disappeared to?
Of all his companions, despite their initial apparent weakness, he had grown to rely heavily on them both.
Chen was adept at exploiting Mendez’ combat style. He seemed able to dart in and out of the melee but never end up in the way and Wer’s summoned bears made every battle considerably easier.
With a deep sigh, Mendez heads back to the helm.
Looking back towards the distant shore, Mendez feels a pang of regret.
Where have Chen and Wer disappeared to?
Of all his companions, despite their initial apparent weakness, he had grown to rely heavily on them both.
Chen was adept at exploiting Mendez’ combat style. He seemed able to dart in and out of the melee but never end up in the way and Wer’s summoned bears made every battle considerably easier.
With a deep sigh, Mendez heads back to the helm.
Ba(r)d Dad
It can’t be denied that Esteban is a marvellous host. The food, though different to what you’re used to, is delicious; the wines and brandy, first class.
Everything about Mendez’ family home declares class, but more importantly ‘wealth’.
Mendez joyously introduces you all to his family. He seems honestly proud of both his parents, uncle and siblings as he does of you: his adventurer friends.
Soon though Mendez is lost in the pleasures of brandy and the young women hired to flirt and entertain.
The Party start to enjoy the food and they all (with the exception of the Kobold stowaway) drink enough wine to finally relax after their long journey.
Mendez’ brother Sancho is the first to request a song from his Father.
Esteban smiles but waves him away. It takes the entreaties of others in the crowd to convince him to change his mind.
'Begrudgingly', Esteban calls for his ‘old’ liar. He makes a great show of tuning up the exquisite instrument but it’s patently obvious to all watching, that it’s been regularly played and lovingly cared for.
Then he starts to sing with a voice that’s deep but achingly beautiful…
“Oh come gather around, give me your full attention.
I have got something to say…
That’s right now, lean in much closer.
Be sure that you’re listening…
As you feel your will slip away..ay..ay.
You’re under my power; you’ll do as I bid thee.
And I won’t even have to…
I won’t even have to…
I won’t even have to…
I won’t even have to…
…
Pay!”
His voice fills the room, growing in power and charm until everyone listening is enraptured.
In reality the song goes on for verse after verse and Esteban sings proudly of his son Mendez’ adventures on the high seas.
He sings about giant Cyclops and an island of carnivorous apes. But mostly he sings about an island covered in diamonds guarded by monstrous serpents.
…
Then somehow, inexplicably everyone wakes up back on the Gnomish Sky-ship!
Everything about Mendez’ family home declares class, but more importantly ‘wealth’.
Mendez joyously introduces you all to his family. He seems honestly proud of both his parents, uncle and siblings as he does of you: his adventurer friends.
Soon though Mendez is lost in the pleasures of brandy and the young women hired to flirt and entertain.
The Party start to enjoy the food and they all (with the exception of the Kobold stowaway) drink enough wine to finally relax after their long journey.
Mendez’ brother Sancho is the first to request a song from his Father.
Esteban smiles but waves him away. It takes the entreaties of others in the crowd to convince him to change his mind.
'Begrudgingly', Esteban calls for his ‘old’ liar. He makes a great show of tuning up the exquisite instrument but it’s patently obvious to all watching, that it’s been regularly played and lovingly cared for.
Then he starts to sing with a voice that’s deep but achingly beautiful…
“Oh come gather around, give me your full attention.
I have got something to say…
That’s right now, lean in much closer.
Be sure that you’re listening…
As you feel your will slip away..ay..ay.
You’re under my power; you’ll do as I bid thee.
And I won’t even have to…
I won’t even have to…
I won’t even have to…
I won’t even have to…
…
Pay!”
His voice fills the room, growing in power and charm until everyone listening is enraptured.
In reality the song goes on for verse after verse and Esteban sings proudly of his son Mendez’ adventures on the high seas.
He sings about giant Cyclops and an island of carnivorous apes. But mostly he sings about an island covered in diamonds guarded by monstrous serpents.
…
Then somehow, inexplicably everyone wakes up back on the Gnomish Sky-ship!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Puppet in the Sting
It’s been a week since the attack on his home and, while avoiding all shadows, Bodush has had plenty of time to think about the recent turn of events:
The corruption of Seawell.
The domination of Gom Dalat.
... And the destabilisation of Febril.
It’s almost as if he himself had been an instrument in Zatark’s infernal plot.
… Surely not?
The corruption of Seawell.
The domination of Gom Dalat.
... And the destabilisation of Febril.
It’s almost as if he himself had been an instrument in Zatark’s infernal plot.
… Surely not?
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Riders after sunrise
They stopped their horses at the crossing where the road to the north started. Elogyn had said good-bye to the others at Bodush's mansion and Eolar had offered to accompany her for a while. Eolar reached back and got the longsword out he had taken from the loot from the mines. "Well, I think since you are aiming to become a better paladin, you also need a weapon better suited for a paladin on horseback!" He handed Elogyn the nicely crafted sword. She looked at it for a while, weighing it in her hands. "Eolar, I owe you much more than I can give or pay you. You brought me back from the dead twice and taught me much of what I know today. We had our differences but you have always been a good and patient teacher!" She looked at him "I hope my farewell gives another person the chance to become your student. You have many promising young followers at the monastery and I'm sure everyone of them would be proud to accompany you on your journeys"
"They may be promising, but the are not ready yet to replace you, Elogyn. I hope you can find a suitable teacher wherever you are going. You know where you can find the monastery and me and I hope our paths cross again in the future. I could need somebody who leads the monastery while I'm gone. Leofwen does a good job but is not experienced enough yet for what might be coming soon."
"Maybe one day I'll come back to that offer! Farewell, Eolar!" Elogyn bowed down as far as the saddle allowed her and spured her horse.
Eolar stood still for a while and watched Elogyn disappearing slowly.
Taking on a new student? He was hoping that his superiors didn't think the same. He was happy to teach his followers but it was difficult to have them with him while travelling. It was difficult to defend them. In these times it would be sensible to find some fighters who could defend him and his followers if there is need. His thoughts went back to the encounter with Ragnar yesterday night. A blacksmith that can change into a powerful bear. Eolar had agreed to meet him again later that day. Ragnar seemed to be a very honest and righteous man but struggled with his condition. Eolar started thinking. Perhaps they could find an agreement that could help them both.
He turned his horse around and slowly rode back to the mansion.
"They may be promising, but the are not ready yet to replace you, Elogyn. I hope you can find a suitable teacher wherever you are going. You know where you can find the monastery and me and I hope our paths cross again in the future. I could need somebody who leads the monastery while I'm gone. Leofwen does a good job but is not experienced enough yet for what might be coming soon."
"Maybe one day I'll come back to that offer! Farewell, Eolar!" Elogyn bowed down as far as the saddle allowed her and spured her horse.
Eolar stood still for a while and watched Elogyn disappearing slowly.
Taking on a new student? He was hoping that his superiors didn't think the same. He was happy to teach his followers but it was difficult to have them with him while travelling. It was difficult to defend them. In these times it would be sensible to find some fighters who could defend him and his followers if there is need. His thoughts went back to the encounter with Ragnar yesterday night. A blacksmith that can change into a powerful bear. Eolar had agreed to meet him again later that day. Ragnar seemed to be a very honest and righteous man but struggled with his condition. Eolar started thinking. Perhaps they could find an agreement that could help them both.
He turned his horse around and slowly rode back to the mansion.
I’d sell my Soul for…
Realising he’s back in Febril and justifiably nervous at the thought of trusting his life to those erratic Hamster men and their flying sky-boat again, Thesis seeks out Szandor the Magnificent.
Ignoring the hustlers in the Market place, Thesis pulls his cloak over his face and hurries to the wealthier part of the ‘free’ city.
Knocking on the impressive, iron-shod door, Thesis waits for a moment before it is opened by one of the stunning young woman he’d seen before.
She is close to six-foot tall with a mass of curly, flame red hair.
“How may I help you sir?”
On Thesis’ pleas for an audience with Szandor, she escorts him upstairs.
After a few minutes, Szandor enters the sumptuous room, but his face is far less ingratiating than the last time they met.
He is escorted by two more of his beautiful servants.
“Ah, the death seeking Lizard-man. What do owe the 'pleasure' of this intrusion?”
Slightly taken aback by Szandor’s change in attitude, Thesis asks for a potion of ‘Feather fall’ and a potion of ‘Flying’.
Szandor rolls his eyes as he tugs at his jet-black goatee. “Is that all you want? You bother me with these trifles!?”
Steadying his breath he continues. “Fine. What do you propose to trade for them? Remember I’m a dealer in the occult. What magical artefacts have you got that I would be interested in? Or are you offering something else”
Thesis is silent for a moment. Although he doesn’t understand Szandor’s change in behaviour, he starts to rummage through his pack…
Ignoring the hustlers in the Market place, Thesis pulls his cloak over his face and hurries to the wealthier part of the ‘free’ city.
Knocking on the impressive, iron-shod door, Thesis waits for a moment before it is opened by one of the stunning young woman he’d seen before.
She is close to six-foot tall with a mass of curly, flame red hair.
“How may I help you sir?”
On Thesis’ pleas for an audience with Szandor, she escorts him upstairs.
After a few minutes, Szandor enters the sumptuous room, but his face is far less ingratiating than the last time they met.
He is escorted by two more of his beautiful servants.
“Ah, the death seeking Lizard-man. What do owe the 'pleasure' of this intrusion?”
Slightly taken aback by Szandor’s change in attitude, Thesis asks for a potion of ‘Feather fall’ and a potion of ‘Flying’.
Szandor rolls his eyes as he tugs at his jet-black goatee. “Is that all you want? You bother me with these trifles!?”
Steadying his breath he continues. “Fine. What do you propose to trade for them? Remember I’m a dealer in the occult. What magical artefacts have you got that I would be interested in? Or are you offering something else”
Thesis is silent for a moment. Although he doesn’t understand Szandor’s change in behaviour, he starts to rummage through his pack…
Treasure Update
Since Eolar had time now and a shop to sell stuff that was on his and Elogyn's horse here a quick update and the spoils of the battle at Bodush mansion:
From the ambush on the way to the mines and the fight with Jack McCall at the entrance to the mine (Eolar took the things that were worth selling onto the horses):
From the ambush of the orc guards:
Eolar, Chen, Durin and Bodush get: 1072.5gp and 100gp in gems
Also 4x CMW potions (150gp ea) (Not sure if somebody took them already)
From the fight against Jack McCall at the entrance of the mine
1x Ring of protection +2 (4000gp)
1x Dagger + 3 (Mendez, 9151gp)
1x Potion of Barkskin (150gp)
Also not sure about the potion and the ring. I'm sure somebody said they took them!
Please say it again :)
Eolar, Chen, Durin, Wer, Bodush get 2216.83gp
Mendez owes 6934.17
From the battle at Bodush Mansion:
Eolar, Hawkmoon, Durin, Wer, Bodush and Thes-Hiss get:
3718.3gp
150gp in gems
For a list of available items/prices please refer to the treasure post from Kirk
So far the following people have pointed on items:
Hawkmoon wants the ring of counterspells (2000gp) and a battleaxe that isn't there?
Thes-Hiss wants CSW potions (we have 7 available, 375 ea)
Eolar wants the greataxe (which I guess also Hawkmoon wants)
So if you don't post soon that you also want something, the stuff is considered sold!
[UPDATE]
I just found the post from the first ambush again and the list up there in this post was wrong. The post is labelled "Mines of Terroth Part1" and was below the post for Pearlglen. So I missed it. Assif, I take this list then as compared to the list you guessed in the email. So here the updated treasure for that encounter (Eolar had taken the splintmails and the bastard swords on the horses):
Eolar, Chen and Bodush get: 8460gp + 100gp gems
Durin claimed the battleaxe +4 from that encounter (=16155) and owes: 7595gp
From that encounter we had:
1 Potion of CMW (150), one of darkvision (150) and 1 potion of non-detection (375) as well as 3 greataxes + 2 (4160). Did anybody take one of them? Then take off the money :)
If you've already updated your treasure chests, please amend the amounts accordingly.
From the ambush on the way to the mines and the fight with Jack McCall at the entrance to the mine (Eolar took the things that were worth selling onto the horses):
Eolar, Chen, Durin and Bodush get: 1072.5gp and 100gp in gems
Also 4x CMW potions (150gp ea) (Not sure if somebody took them already)
From the fight against Jack McCall at the entrance of the mine
1x Ring of protection +2 (4000gp)
1x Dagger + 3 (Mendez, 9151gp)
1x Potion of Barkskin (150gp)
Also not sure about the potion and the ring. I'm sure somebody said they took them!
Please say it again :)
Eolar, Chen, Durin, Wer, Bodush get 2216.83gp
Mendez owes 6934.17
From the battle at Bodush Mansion:
Eolar, Hawkmoon, Durin, Wer, Bodush and Thes-Hiss get:
3718.3gp
150gp in gems
For a list of available items/prices please refer to the treasure post from Kirk
So far the following people have pointed on items:
Hawkmoon wants the ring of counterspells (2000gp) and a battleaxe that isn't there?
Thes-Hiss wants CSW potions (we have 7 available, 375 ea)
Eolar wants the greataxe (which I guess also Hawkmoon wants)
So if you don't post soon that you also want something, the stuff is considered sold!
[UPDATE]
I just found the post from the first ambush again and the list up there in this post was wrong. The post is labelled "Mines of Terroth Part1" and was below the post for Pearlglen. So I missed it. Assif, I take this list then as compared to the list you guessed in the email. So here the updated treasure for that encounter (Eolar had taken the splintmails and the bastard swords on the horses):
Eolar, Chen and Bodush get: 8460gp + 100gp gems
Durin claimed the battleaxe +4 from that encounter (=16155) and owes: 7595gp
From that encounter we had:
1 Potion of CMW (150), one of darkvision (150) and 1 potion of non-detection (375) as well as 3 greataxes + 2 (4160). Did anybody take one of them? Then take off the money :)
If you've already updated your treasure chests, please amend the amounts accordingly.
The Brave and the Kobold
To gasps of awe and amazement, the vast Sky-ship descends into the still water at the city docks. It has been a week since Bodush’s mansion was attacked.
The Party organise their equipment and supplies to be sent and loaded to be ready for their early morning departure.
Much later, just after Midnight, a small dark shape scurries unseen through the darkness looking for escape.
The humans have an innate distrust for his kind and truth be told, he can’t blame them.
His eyes accustomed, as they are for working in the gloom, spot a ship oddly different from the rest. Unlike the others, it has a weird collection of giant air sacks floating above it instead of sails.
Too curious to resist, the scaly shape scrabbles up the side of the Sky-ship moored in the harbour and quickly finds somewhere to hide.
The Party organise their equipment and supplies to be sent and loaded to be ready for their early morning departure.
Much later, just after Midnight, a small dark shape scurries unseen through the darkness looking for escape.
The humans have an innate distrust for his kind and truth be told, he can’t blame them.
His eyes accustomed, as they are for working in the gloom, spot a ship oddly different from the rest. Unlike the others, it has a weird collection of giant air sacks floating above it instead of sails.
Too curious to resist, the scaly shape scrabbles up the side of the Sky-ship moored in the harbour and quickly finds somewhere to hide.
Monday, November 30, 2009
There is a bear in the woods
Eolar was slowly walking down the small path into the forest. It was two days since he had raised Elogyn and it had been two days filled with discussions. She had changed. Eolar didn't know what had happened on the other plane, but Elogyn had come back restless. When he asked her about it, they had had the same debates they had so often. First he was angry because Elogyn dared to attack his principles and beliefs but later he realised it was because he already knew he'd lose her. She had been a loyal companion for so long, it was hard to imagine her gone.
She, like most paladins, wanted to fight evil wherever it showed its face. They didn't seem to see that the lack of organisation and law are what leads to it in the first place. Give people a place in a society, a purpose in life and they will thrive. As long as this order is enforced by a srong hierarchy and a strict legal system, evil has no place to grow and will die out opr be suppressed. In Eolars opinion, paladins only fight the effects of chaos. Elogyn didn't see it that way.
She had said she will be leaving next morning to head north. Walking through woods always calmed Eolar down and he realised that he had to let her go. He wasn't as good as a teacher as she would need to get her on the right path. He inhaled the fresh forest air. He had put money in for the longsword they got and decided to give it to her as a leaving present. He wasn't bitter. It would be an important step for her and he could only hope she would find a better teacher.
The path narrowed while it lead down a ridge. Eolar tried to get his bearings again. He had been walking for more than an hour and estimated that one of the smaller roads leading from Febril to the villages should be not far ahead. He was about half way down the ridge when he heard shouting ahead. He stopped to listen and started to run when he could hear fighting noises and women screaming. He had his bow ready by the time he reached the opening. A horse carriage had been driven into the ditch and he could see four armed men closing in on two woman and a badly injured man who stood with their backs against a bigger rock alongside the road. He aimed at the robber closest to the women and was just about to shoot when he could see a dark shape breaking out of the woods to his right. The bear took down the first robber on the run as if he wasn't an obstacle at all and was already onto the second before Eolar could shoot his arrow. He stopped and released the second arrow which brought down his target. The last robber had turned around and was facing the bear which was slowly closing in on him.
"Drop your weapon and surrender!" Eolar was running towards him trying to aim at both the bear and the robber. The sword fell to the ground and the robber dropped to his knees. To Eolars amazement, the bear turned away from the - now unarmed - robber and towards him. He raised his holy symbol pointing it at the bear and was ready to bring down holy fire on the bear as soon as it started attacking. For a few seconds bear and cleric were looking at each other before the bear turned away and trotted away into the undergrowth. Eolar stood there puzzled. He could swear the bear had nodded to him before it had left.
The robber sat there bound to the cartwheel while Eolar treated the wounds of the merchant. "Thank you so very much for saving me, my wife and my daughter! These robbers would surely have killed us. How can we thank you? Take this money as sign of our gratitude!" He was holding a bag of coins towards Eolar who gently pushed it back to the man "You don't have to give me money. If you want, donate it to the church of St.Cuthbert next time you pass a temple and pray to thank St.Cuthbert for sending me here in time." He helped them push the carriage out of the mud and calm the horses. When the daughter climbed on the carriage she looked at the trees where the bear had vanished. "I'm sure the bear would have eaten us alive if you wouldn't have scared it off!" The carriage slowly rolled down the road with three people waving good bye and Eolar looked at the treeline as well. "I'm not so sure about that!". He was intrigued.
It started to get dark, but the full moon cast enough light for Eolar to keep on following the bear's tracks. He was curious to find the animal. He had seen bears up close before, but never had an animal reacted so controlled when facing armed humans. It was as if the bear knew exactly what was happening. He had even accepted the robber's surrender. The tracks led into an area filled with big boulders which formed small paths and caverns. Between two boulders he stopped and listened. He could feel the bear was close. He looked up and saw the bear sitting on top of the boulder next to him. Eolar didn't hold a weapon and the bear, although being cautious, didn't look as if it wanted to attack. Eolar stretched out an arm "Be calm, I'm not here to hurt you!" Then he noticed the eyes. The bear looked at him with an unnatural intelligence which Eolar had never seen in an animal. The bear slowly got up and jumped off the boulder in the opposite direction. Eolar started to run round the boulder and after fighting his way quickly through some thorn bushes was standing in front of a massive man just dressed in a loincloth. His upper body was mostly covered in thick brown hair, he had massive hands and his face was mostly covered by a beard. Eolar stopped in surprise and automatically reached for his mace when the man started laughing "Calm down, I'm not here to hurt you!"
She, like most paladins, wanted to fight evil wherever it showed its face. They didn't seem to see that the lack of organisation and law are what leads to it in the first place. Give people a place in a society, a purpose in life and they will thrive. As long as this order is enforced by a srong hierarchy and a strict legal system, evil has no place to grow and will die out opr be suppressed. In Eolars opinion, paladins only fight the effects of chaos. Elogyn didn't see it that way.
She had said she will be leaving next morning to head north. Walking through woods always calmed Eolar down and he realised that he had to let her go. He wasn't as good as a teacher as she would need to get her on the right path. He inhaled the fresh forest air. He had put money in for the longsword they got and decided to give it to her as a leaving present. He wasn't bitter. It would be an important step for her and he could only hope she would find a better teacher.
The path narrowed while it lead down a ridge. Eolar tried to get his bearings again. He had been walking for more than an hour and estimated that one of the smaller roads leading from Febril to the villages should be not far ahead. He was about half way down the ridge when he heard shouting ahead. He stopped to listen and started to run when he could hear fighting noises and women screaming. He had his bow ready by the time he reached the opening. A horse carriage had been driven into the ditch and he could see four armed men closing in on two woman and a badly injured man who stood with their backs against a bigger rock alongside the road. He aimed at the robber closest to the women and was just about to shoot when he could see a dark shape breaking out of the woods to his right. The bear took down the first robber on the run as if he wasn't an obstacle at all and was already onto the second before Eolar could shoot his arrow. He stopped and released the second arrow which brought down his target. The last robber had turned around and was facing the bear which was slowly closing in on him.
"Drop your weapon and surrender!" Eolar was running towards him trying to aim at both the bear and the robber. The sword fell to the ground and the robber dropped to his knees. To Eolars amazement, the bear turned away from the - now unarmed - robber and towards him. He raised his holy symbol pointing it at the bear and was ready to bring down holy fire on the bear as soon as it started attacking. For a few seconds bear and cleric were looking at each other before the bear turned away and trotted away into the undergrowth. Eolar stood there puzzled. He could swear the bear had nodded to him before it had left.
The robber sat there bound to the cartwheel while Eolar treated the wounds of the merchant. "Thank you so very much for saving me, my wife and my daughter! These robbers would surely have killed us. How can we thank you? Take this money as sign of our gratitude!" He was holding a bag of coins towards Eolar who gently pushed it back to the man "You don't have to give me money. If you want, donate it to the church of St.Cuthbert next time you pass a temple and pray to thank St.Cuthbert for sending me here in time." He helped them push the carriage out of the mud and calm the horses. When the daughter climbed on the carriage she looked at the trees where the bear had vanished. "I'm sure the bear would have eaten us alive if you wouldn't have scared it off!" The carriage slowly rolled down the road with three people waving good bye and Eolar looked at the treeline as well. "I'm not so sure about that!". He was intrigued.
It started to get dark, but the full moon cast enough light for Eolar to keep on following the bear's tracks. He was curious to find the animal. He had seen bears up close before, but never had an animal reacted so controlled when facing armed humans. It was as if the bear knew exactly what was happening. He had even accepted the robber's surrender. The tracks led into an area filled with big boulders which formed small paths and caverns. Between two boulders he stopped and listened. He could feel the bear was close. He looked up and saw the bear sitting on top of the boulder next to him. Eolar didn't hold a weapon and the bear, although being cautious, didn't look as if it wanted to attack. Eolar stretched out an arm "Be calm, I'm not here to hurt you!" Then he noticed the eyes. The bear looked at him with an unnatural intelligence which Eolar had never seen in an animal. The bear slowly got up and jumped off the boulder in the opposite direction. Eolar started to run round the boulder and after fighting his way quickly through some thorn bushes was standing in front of a massive man just dressed in a loincloth. His upper body was mostly covered in thick brown hair, he had massive hands and his face was mostly covered by a beard. Eolar stopped in surprise and automatically reached for his mace when the man started laughing "Calm down, I'm not here to hurt you!"
Pride before the Fail
A week ago…
Cheketa looked up proudly at the massive Flesh golem standing idly beside her.
This creature and its lesser brethren (the now-not-so-feeble-ones), her own magics and the support of her loyal sisterhood should be more than enough to defeat the vile Sorcerer.
She’d even animated the skeletal remains of Grimes the hill giant and a few of her Fathers old Ogre guard.
She doesn’t need them, but though mindless, it’s somehow fitting to give them a chance of revenge. It is unlikely that mere skeletons, even giant ones, would be able to hurt such seasoned adventurers…
Cheketa looked up proudly at the massive Flesh golem standing idly beside her.
This creature and its lesser brethren (the now-not-so-feeble-ones), her own magics and the support of her loyal sisterhood should be more than enough to defeat the vile Sorcerer.
She’d even animated the skeletal remains of Grimes the hill giant and a few of her Fathers old Ogre guard.
She doesn’t need them, but though mindless, it’s somehow fitting to give them a chance of revenge. It is unlikely that mere skeletons, even giant ones, would be able to hurt such seasoned adventurers…
A Debt Settled
Despite Mendez and Thesis’ lack of faith, they are well regarded by the St Cuthbert Paladins and are quickly ushered in to see Lejon.
“How can I be of service?” inquires the extremely tall and equally good-looking Paladin.
Mendez answers quickly, “My Dwarven friend here needs bringing back from the dead.”
“Surely the Elf Eolar can do that for you?”
“True, but I’d rather he was raised without any lose to his memory or essence.”
“Ah, I see. You want me to organise a ‘True resurrection’. But why should I do that?”
Mendez grimaces. He knew Lejon would be difficult but he ploughs on anyway.
“Because I will pay your church 27,000gp and because you personally owe us a debt for saving High Patriarch Rothgart.”
Lejon squirms in his seat.
“True enough. If I organise this for you though, I expect you never to mention this debt again. We shall be square.”
Mensez nods. Although often unsung, the Dwarf had steadfastly protected every one of them. Durin was owed a debt by his friends and this was a suitable act of gratitude.
It takes three days to organise and carry out the spell.
Neither Mendez or Thesis are allowed to be present during the ceremony, but trust is not an issue here.
On the fourth day, a grinning and surprisingly clean Durin is returned to them.
“How can I be of service?” inquires the extremely tall and equally good-looking Paladin.
Mendez answers quickly, “My Dwarven friend here needs bringing back from the dead.”
“Surely the Elf Eolar can do that for you?”
“True, but I’d rather he was raised without any lose to his memory or essence.”
“Ah, I see. You want me to organise a ‘True resurrection’. But why should I do that?”
Mendez grimaces. He knew Lejon would be difficult but he ploughs on anyway.
“Because I will pay your church 27,000gp and because you personally owe us a debt for saving High Patriarch Rothgart.”
Lejon squirms in his seat.
“True enough. If I organise this for you though, I expect you never to mention this debt again. We shall be square.”
Mensez nods. Although often unsung, the Dwarf had steadfastly protected every one of them. Durin was owed a debt by his friends and this was a suitable act of gratitude.
It takes three days to organise and carry out the spell.
Neither Mendez or Thesis are allowed to be present during the ceremony, but trust is not an issue here.
On the fourth day, a grinning and surprisingly clean Durin is returned to them.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Old Heads on Young Shoulders
One year and eleven months ago...
After the deal was made with Savant Freud, Cheketa had assessed the remains of her people. She’d been mistaken about all the men being dead. There were still the ‘feeble ones’. Orc warriors that had somehow failed to die bravely in battle.
These withered and useless old orcs were usually thought of as an embarrassment to their families...
But now with the surgeon-like Derro’s help, perhaps they could regain some of their former standing?
After the deal was made with Savant Freud, Cheketa had assessed the remains of her people. She’d been mistaken about all the men being dead. There were still the ‘feeble ones’. Orc warriors that had somehow failed to die bravely in battle.
These withered and useless old orcs were usually thought of as an embarrassment to their families...
But now with the surgeon-like Derro’s help, perhaps they could regain some of their former standing?
Thursday, November 26, 2009
New Banner: A fleshy shambles
If ever proof was needed that healing should be a priority, then the senseless loss of two of our party provides it.
Having flushed out Tagati and his nefarious plans and dealt heroically with the monstrous creatures that were destroying the mines around the Yellow River, the adventurers were eager to return to normality.
Bodush teleported his friends to the security of his mansion where they would rest and recouperate. However, their plans were turned upside down when the past came back to bit Bodush and his happless friends.
Chekeeta the last progeny of Calvera whose tribe they had utterly destroyed in a series of battles and a shameful masacare, was waiting for them with cold revenge in her heart.
Unfortunately the party was ill prepared for the encounter and there were inevitable casualties. Durin in particular, still terribly injured after the fight with the stone golems only needed a couple of blows from the ogre skeleton before he succumbed. Elogyn's fate was less explicable. Not overly injured but too ready to face combat not suited for her she was curely cut down by undead and golems. Eolar could do nothing about it, his spells were not enough for the onslaught of enemies who kept appearing out of nowhere.
Bodush escaped with his life with only minor damage to his house. The house of Calvera on the otherhand had fought their final battle.
Having flushed out Tagati and his nefarious plans and dealt heroically with the monstrous creatures that were destroying the mines around the Yellow River, the adventurers were eager to return to normality.
Bodush teleported his friends to the security of his mansion where they would rest and recouperate. However, their plans were turned upside down when the past came back to bit Bodush and his happless friends.
Chekeeta the last progeny of Calvera whose tribe they had utterly destroyed in a series of battles and a shameful masacare, was waiting for them with cold revenge in her heart.
Unfortunately the party was ill prepared for the encounter and there were inevitable casualties. Durin in particular, still terribly injured after the fight with the stone golems only needed a couple of blows from the ogre skeleton before he succumbed. Elogyn's fate was less explicable. Not overly injured but too ready to face combat not suited for her she was curely cut down by undead and golems. Eolar could do nothing about it, his spells were not enough for the onslaught of enemies who kept appearing out of nowhere.
Bodush escaped with his life with only minor damage to his house. The house of Calvera on the otherhand had fought their final battle.
Thesis and the Swordweld
Thesis found himself at the foot of a 200ft escarpment that formed a natural fortification for the city of Braemar. Looking up it was clear to see that the city was in decline and virtual ruin. Years ago, in his grandfather's day this was an important and proud city with a vibrant community and impressive army.
However, that had all changed during the most bloody years of the goblin wars. The hordes had hit the city time after time, each time depleting the city's resources a little more until the fateful final seige where the Swordweld of Braemar had been victorious but had suffered tragic losses, not least, one of their greatest fighters Traesal Swordweld, Thesis' grandfather.
He made his way over to the far end of the escarpment to the holy grounds, to the place where his grandfather was buried. To his astonishment, where there should have been a simple grave, instead he found a desecrated hole. There was a temple at the head of the cemetery, and entering he found two priests and started to find out a little of what happened here over recent years. Recently goblins had begun to raid the area again and on one of these had ruined Traesal's grave and stolen his sword.
It was clear that the memory of his grandfather was strong and had inspired a new breed of the Braemar Swordweld. They explained that they were going to raid another of the outlying goblin settlements and had planned to recover the sword. The timing was perfect and Thesis vowed to avenge his grandfather and recover the sword.
Approching the goblin stonghold in the feint light of early morning, they could see that they were not expected. Thesis sent a small troupe of 16 men to the north to deal with the threat from that direction and a similar sized group to the south. Thesis took the remainder of the men on to the main camp. He could see the leader's hut and made straight for it. Quickly dispatching the guards, they broke into the main hut.
The leader was unprepared but he quickly called on his goblins to engage. A simple fight quickly turned into a messy ruck. More goblins appeared continuously and they seemed to have better than normal weapons and strength as well as the support of magic users. Fire quickly overtook the main part of town and the fight was pushed into the hills.
Thesis looked about him and realised he had lost more than two thirds of his men, but the end was in sight. He found the leader and engaged him directly, Thesis's mighty sword swinging at goblin flesh. No goblin could ever be a match for the Lizard-man's wild strength.
Bloody and weary Thesis and the small surviving group of 20 young Swordveld marched back triumphant to Braemar to a rapturous welcome. Feasting in Thesis honour lasted 4 days and at the end of it a ceremony saw the great sword returned to the people to be displayed forever in the high hall.
Thesis was presented with a ceremonial helmet made of gold and platinum and encrusted with jewels. But this was nothing compared to the pride he felt at finally being able to live up to his family name.
However, that had all changed during the most bloody years of the goblin wars. The hordes had hit the city time after time, each time depleting the city's resources a little more until the fateful final seige where the Swordweld of Braemar had been victorious but had suffered tragic losses, not least, one of their greatest fighters Traesal Swordweld, Thesis' grandfather.
He made his way over to the far end of the escarpment to the holy grounds, to the place where his grandfather was buried. To his astonishment, where there should have been a simple grave, instead he found a desecrated hole. There was a temple at the head of the cemetery, and entering he found two priests and started to find out a little of what happened here over recent years. Recently goblins had begun to raid the area again and on one of these had ruined Traesal's grave and stolen his sword.
It was clear that the memory of his grandfather was strong and had inspired a new breed of the Braemar Swordweld. They explained that they were going to raid another of the outlying goblin settlements and had planned to recover the sword. The timing was perfect and Thesis vowed to avenge his grandfather and recover the sword.
Approching the goblin stonghold in the feint light of early morning, they could see that they were not expected. Thesis sent a small troupe of 16 men to the north to deal with the threat from that direction and a similar sized group to the south. Thesis took the remainder of the men on to the main camp. He could see the leader's hut and made straight for it. Quickly dispatching the guards, they broke into the main hut.
The leader was unprepared but he quickly called on his goblins to engage. A simple fight quickly turned into a messy ruck. More goblins appeared continuously and they seemed to have better than normal weapons and strength as well as the support of magic users. Fire quickly overtook the main part of town and the fight was pushed into the hills.
Thesis looked about him and realised he had lost more than two thirds of his men, but the end was in sight. He found the leader and engaged him directly, Thesis's mighty sword swinging at goblin flesh. No goblin could ever be a match for the Lizard-man's wild strength.
Bloody and weary Thesis and the small surviving group of 20 young Swordveld marched back triumphant to Braemar to a rapturous welcome. Feasting in Thesis honour lasted 4 days and at the end of it a ceremony saw the great sword returned to the people to be displayed forever in the high hall.
Thesis was presented with a ceremonial helmet made of gold and platinum and encrusted with jewels. But this was nothing compared to the pride he felt at finally being able to live up to his family name.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
A return ticket to heaven, please!
Elogyn looked down at her body. Without realising what happened she tried to hit the Orlem next to her. The mace went straight through and left a glimmering shine where it touched the animated flesh. She looked up. Stunned.
She looked around and only when she saw the look on Eolars face did she realise what had happened. She feel back and tumbled backwards. The fence surrounding the garden caught her fall. She stared at the battle going on. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.
She looked to her right where another person was standing, watching the scene.
"Isn't is funny how we sometimes die for nothing?"
She looked puzzled.
"You could have died fighting the big evil that entered the world but you died fighting a battle you don't even know the reason for. When do you want to stop this and realise your full potential?"
She started to remember. Everything seemed blurred but a name came to her mind
"Ozul? I remember you!"
"'course you do. Not the first time you are here and believe me it won't be the last. The question is: Do you want to keep coming here while fighting small, insignificant battles or are you finally realising what a paladin exists for?"
"But I follow Eolar. He needs me. And I still have to learn from him!"
"What? How to ignore evil and think it has a place in this world? That forcing order onto this world is the only path to solve all the problems? Elogyn, deep in your heart you know you can't stand back and watch evil take over. The only way to win is to destroy evil. It has no place in a wealthy society. There will be no order in this world as long as evil exists!"
She looked around. The world had vanished. There was only light.
"But what am I supposed to do? I already tried to change Eolar and make him see that there is more than just order and a strict hierarchy."
"Leave him. You've learned and have gained valuable experience following this group. To go further on your path you have to find new teachers."
The world was back around them and she could see Eolar standing over her body that was lying on a table in Bodush's mansion. He was sprinkling diamond dust over it and she could hear the word of the raise spell. She could feel the pull towards her body. Ozul looked at her from the other side of the table standing between the stranger Hawkmoon and Thesis, who appeared not to see him.
"Head north from here. Hasufel will guide you, she knows the way. Or you can decide to stay with Eolar and watch the world fall into evil hands while you are fighting the small battles and try to keep order up in a world getting smaller and smaller around you. It is your choice!"
She opened her eyes and the pain took over. Eolar was holding her down and told her not too move before he had healed her wounds. She looked to the right at the face of Thesis and Hawkmoon. Ozul was gone. The only thing left was the voice in her head.
"It is your choice!"
She looked around and only when she saw the look on Eolars face did she realise what had happened. She feel back and tumbled backwards. The fence surrounding the garden caught her fall. She stared at the battle going on. Everything seemed to happen in slow motion.
She looked to her right where another person was standing, watching the scene.
"Isn't is funny how we sometimes die for nothing?"
She looked puzzled.
"You could have died fighting the big evil that entered the world but you died fighting a battle you don't even know the reason for. When do you want to stop this and realise your full potential?"
She started to remember. Everything seemed blurred but a name came to her mind
"Ozul? I remember you!"
"'course you do. Not the first time you are here and believe me it won't be the last. The question is: Do you want to keep coming here while fighting small, insignificant battles or are you finally realising what a paladin exists for?"
"But I follow Eolar. He needs me. And I still have to learn from him!"
"What? How to ignore evil and think it has a place in this world? That forcing order onto this world is the only path to solve all the problems? Elogyn, deep in your heart you know you can't stand back and watch evil take over. The only way to win is to destroy evil. It has no place in a wealthy society. There will be no order in this world as long as evil exists!"
She looked around. The world had vanished. There was only light.
"But what am I supposed to do? I already tried to change Eolar and make him see that there is more than just order and a strict hierarchy."
"Leave him. You've learned and have gained valuable experience following this group. To go further on your path you have to find new teachers."
The world was back around them and she could see Eolar standing over her body that was lying on a table in Bodush's mansion. He was sprinkling diamond dust over it and she could hear the word of the raise spell. She could feel the pull towards her body. Ozul looked at her from the other side of the table standing between the stranger Hawkmoon and Thesis, who appeared not to see him.
"Head north from here. Hasufel will guide you, she knows the way. Or you can decide to stay with Eolar and watch the world fall into evil hands while you are fighting the small battles and try to keep order up in a world getting smaller and smaller around you. It is your choice!"
She opened her eyes and the pain took over. Eolar was holding her down and told her not too move before he had healed her wounds. She looked to the right at the face of Thesis and Hawkmoon. Ozul was gone. The only thing left was the voice in her head.
"It is your choice!"
Full Moon
He could feel the urge coming up again. He looked around. The place looked ok. The last rays of the setting sun could be seen over the small rock formation. He packed the armour and his belongings in the sack and sat down. He could feel the power within him building up.
The rage.
The strength.
He thought back to the moment it had happened. The bear had attacked the sheep and came running after the women running past his smithy. He had thrown his hammer and jumped at the bear which was four times his size. He would never know if it was the blow from the flying hammer or the surprise of a man flying out of a building towards it that drove the bear away after the short fight. He was a hero.
It had started a few days later. The bites from the fight had just closed when it had happened. Ragnar had no recollection of what he did that night. He woke up in the forest the next morning, a body of a slain deer next to him. It took him two more changes before he had realised what he was. First he had cursed the gods for bringing that upon him and tried hard to hide it, to fight it. Later he had realised that he can still be in control. He was the animal and the animal was him. That was when he did realise the power the gods had granted him. And he soon had to learn that the gods never give gifts for free. Three months after the first change he was in a bar when it happened. It wasn't him that started the fight, but it was him who had ended it. He flew when he had seen the bloodshed and only went back at night once to collect some of his belongings. The people didn't understand and he couln't blame them. He would be frightened as well.
The sun had gone and he could feel the first rays of silvery moon light touching his skin. He let the energy that was building up take over his body. He could feel his muscles explode and the hair grow. He threw his head back and opened his arms towards the full moon. A roar filled the night. It was the animal once again.
The bear walked over to the sack and threw some branches over it. He shut his eyes and listened. He could hear and smell everything. The trees, the other animals, the air blowing over from the distant city. He started to walk into the young night. The gods had given him the power and he was determined to use it his way. There were always robbers and highwaymen in these type of woods. They were up for a surprise.
The rage.
The strength.
He thought back to the moment it had happened. The bear had attacked the sheep and came running after the women running past his smithy. He had thrown his hammer and jumped at the bear which was four times his size. He would never know if it was the blow from the flying hammer or the surprise of a man flying out of a building towards it that drove the bear away after the short fight. He was a hero.
It had started a few days later. The bites from the fight had just closed when it had happened. Ragnar had no recollection of what he did that night. He woke up in the forest the next morning, a body of a slain deer next to him. It took him two more changes before he had realised what he was. First he had cursed the gods for bringing that upon him and tried hard to hide it, to fight it. Later he had realised that he can still be in control. He was the animal and the animal was him. That was when he did realise the power the gods had granted him. And he soon had to learn that the gods never give gifts for free. Three months after the first change he was in a bar when it happened. It wasn't him that started the fight, but it was him who had ended it. He flew when he had seen the bloodshed and only went back at night once to collect some of his belongings. The people didn't understand and he couln't blame them. He would be frightened as well.
The sun had gone and he could feel the first rays of silvery moon light touching his skin. He let the energy that was building up take over his body. He could feel his muscles explode and the hair grow. He threw his head back and opened his arms towards the full moon. A roar filled the night. It was the animal once again.
The bear walked over to the sack and threw some branches over it. He shut his eyes and listened. He could hear and smell everything. The trees, the other animals, the air blowing over from the distant city. He started to walk into the young night. The gods had given him the power and he was determined to use it his way. There were always robbers and highwaymen in these type of woods. They were up for a surprise.
Guilty
Sitting under a tree just outside Bodush's Mansion I think.
"I am guilty!"
That's the only though I have had since that dreadful day in the mountain.
"I am guilty!"
Guilty of letting horror onto this land. I can not run away from this, it is my duty to pay for what I have done. I understand that the others are scared, but I am sure they will be back to do what has to be done. But I cannot run away. I cannot!
"I am guilty!"
We need a plan. Plans can help. I am sure that with the right allies we can remove the dragon from this land. I made many friends over the past years, we can unite and fight, that can be done, that sounds like a plan. But the Demon... He is the tough one, I hope Chen has found some clues. But I cannot sit idle by.
"I am guilty!"
I need to find Chen, and then I need to find allies. I can't say goodbye to my friends, they would try to convince me to follow them.....
Wer writes a note of goodbye, stands up, slips it under the door, walks back to the tree, and straight through it.
"I am guilty!"
That's the only though I have had since that dreadful day in the mountain.
"I am guilty!"
Guilty of letting horror onto this land. I can not run away from this, it is my duty to pay for what I have done. I understand that the others are scared, but I am sure they will be back to do what has to be done. But I cannot run away. I cannot!
"I am guilty!"
We need a plan. Plans can help. I am sure that with the right allies we can remove the dragon from this land. I made many friends over the past years, we can unite and fight, that can be done, that sounds like a plan. But the Demon... He is the tough one, I hope Chen has found some clues. But I cannot sit idle by.
"I am guilty!"
I need to find Chen, and then I need to find allies. I can't say goodbye to my friends, they would try to convince me to follow them.....
Wer writes a note of goodbye, stands up, slips it under the door, walks back to the tree, and straight through it.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Cheketa tell me what’s wrong?
Two years ago...
The Derro peers down on the wretched Orc woman spread prostrate before him.
Her face stained with soot and tears, she begs the shrivelled albino for help.
“The adventurers pretended to be our friends. They broke bread with us and shared our wine…”
Her voice cracks for a moment before she continues.
“Their Sorcerer 'Bodush' was entertaining the children when they attacked. Our Warriors were drunk or unconscious. It wasn’t even a battle. They butchered everyone. The women, the children and all our men.”
Again she stops to cough some of the smoke from her lungs.
“They killed our giant leader and destroyed your golem. They burned everything to the ground!”
Savant Freud pulls himself to his full height as he strides across his desk.
“And what would you like me to do about it?”
With hatred shining from her eyes, Cheketa, the last surviving heir of Calvera, spits out the words.
“I want revenge!”
The twisted, bug-eyed Derro pauses for a moment as he considers the situation.
“Well that’s very tragic and everything, but what’s in it for us?”
Cheketa looks crestfallen.
“I… I’ve told you. All we have is the bodies of our dead husbands and children to grieve over.”
The Derro looks up excitedly.
“It’s a deal!”
The Derro peers down on the wretched Orc woman spread prostrate before him.
Her face stained with soot and tears, she begs the shrivelled albino for help.
“The adventurers pretended to be our friends. They broke bread with us and shared our wine…”
Her voice cracks for a moment before she continues.
“Their Sorcerer 'Bodush' was entertaining the children when they attacked. Our Warriors were drunk or unconscious. It wasn’t even a battle. They butchered everyone. The women, the children and all our men.”
Again she stops to cough some of the smoke from her lungs.
“They killed our giant leader and destroyed your golem. They burned everything to the ground!”
Savant Freud pulls himself to his full height as he strides across his desk.
“And what would you like me to do about it?”
With hatred shining from her eyes, Cheketa, the last surviving heir of Calvera, spits out the words.
“I want revenge!”
The twisted, bug-eyed Derro pauses for a moment as he considers the situation.
“Well that’s very tragic and everything, but what’s in it for us?”
Cheketa looks crestfallen.
“I… I’ve told you. All we have is the bodies of our dead husbands and children to grieve over.”
The Derro looks up excitedly.
“It’s a deal!”
End of the Line
With the death of Cheketa, comes the extinction of her entire clan. Bodush hugs himself. He should feel safe, but he knows that there are still a few followers left. Enough to make him nervous of every shadow.
He knows that he won’t be safe in Febril for a while.
It was fortunate that Cheketa wanted him alive rather than just killed where he was standing.
Ironically it was her hatred that kept him alive.
He spends the next few days hiring labourers to repair the self-inflicted damage to his property and organising replacements for the staff he’d just fired.
He knows that he won’t be safe in Febril for a while.
It was fortunate that Cheketa wanted him alive rather than just killed where he was standing.
Ironically it was her hatred that kept him alive.
He spends the next few days hiring labourers to repair the self-inflicted damage to his property and organising replacements for the staff he’d just fired.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Modern Dwarfare
Asking for Thesis’ help to carry the fallen Dwarf, Mendez leads them to the Paladin Quarter in the St Cuthbertian city-within-a-city.
It’s a long walk and Thesis and Mendez muse about their Dwarven companion.
“I thought Dwarves were supposed to be clever with tactics” rasps Thesis.
Mendez thinks for a while and then responds, “It’s true. From what I knew, Dwarves are supposed to be well versed in Combat strategy.”
Thesis smiles for a moment and then laughs, “Perhaps that was the lesson directly after Reading and Writing?”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Mendez can’t help but join in his lizardy friend's laughter.
After a couple of hours they arrive at the well-guarded gates.
“We’re here to see Lejon.”
It’s a long walk and Thesis and Mendez muse about their Dwarven companion.
“I thought Dwarves were supposed to be clever with tactics” rasps Thesis.
Mendez thinks for a while and then responds, “It’s true. From what I knew, Dwarves are supposed to be well versed in Combat strategy.”
Thesis smiles for a moment and then laughs, “Perhaps that was the lesson directly after Reading and Writing?”
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Mendez can’t help but join in his lizardy friend's laughter.
After a couple of hours they arrive at the well-guarded gates.
“We’re here to see Lejon.”
Experience of the Flesh
Despite your protestations, this was not a tough encounter. I did bump it up though due to the poor state the Party entered Bodush’s mansion in…
Bodush: Level 14: 104,704
Durin: Level 13: 86,423
Eolar: Level 16: 129,921
Elogyn: Level 12: 74,556 (Down a level)
Hawkmoon: Level 12: 74,556
Mendez: Level 16: 128,564
Thes-hiss: Level 14 (16): 102.305
Wer: Level 14: 102,312
These sums are on the understanding that Durin can afford a ‘True resurrection’ spell and that Eolar just raised Elogyn himself.
Sadly no one levelled. (Elogyn actually lost a level.)
Even more sadly Mendez is still far behind Eolar…
Bodush: Level 14: 104,704
Durin: Level 13: 86,423
Eolar: Level 16: 129,921
Elogyn: Level 12: 74,556 (Down a level)
Hawkmoon: Level 12: 74,556
Mendez: Level 16: 128,564
Thes-hiss: Level 14 (16): 102.305
Wer: Level 14: 102,312
These sums are on the understanding that Durin can afford a ‘True resurrection’ spell and that Eolar just raised Elogyn himself.
Sadly no one levelled. (Elogyn actually lost a level.)
Even more sadly Mendez is still far behind Eolar…
Ghost town
It was only a matter of months later, but Mausolith was practically unrecognizable. Where once there was bustling activity, there were now only a handful of people talking in whispers and working out where they were going to settle and make a living. The bars and taverns were all but closed, and the doors to the bank and gaol hung loosely on their hinges.
There was no law still, but also no-one to impose law upon. The St. Cuthbert evangelists soon realised that there was nothing worth converting here and left as soon as they arrived.
What had happened was still unclear, but what was certain was that they had exhausted the gold in the seams in the hills around Yellow River. What there was left, nobody wanted to dig for. It was said that all the mines therabouts were now haunted by the undead dwarven miners who were interned there.
Guthrie was a wise man - as soon as he saw the changing fortunes for the miners, he closed up his saloons and moved on. Some say he is selling snake oil from a traveling healing show - but rumours abound.
General Sutter however had not been seen for some months before, and the popular story is that he was murdered by his own men for the collapses in the mines. Others say that he was cursed by the gold itself. There is still another rumour that he was instead driven mad by his deeds and was locked in the gaol's punishment hole - never to be released. Nobody knows, and no body was found. His commercial concerns quickly descended into anarchy and then ruin.
Boom town to Ghost town. An age old story.
There was no law still, but also no-one to impose law upon. The St. Cuthbert evangelists soon realised that there was nothing worth converting here and left as soon as they arrived.
What had happened was still unclear, but what was certain was that they had exhausted the gold in the seams in the hills around Yellow River. What there was left, nobody wanted to dig for. It was said that all the mines therabouts were now haunted by the undead dwarven miners who were interned there.
Guthrie was a wise man - as soon as he saw the changing fortunes for the miners, he closed up his saloons and moved on. Some say he is selling snake oil from a traveling healing show - but rumours abound.
General Sutter however had not been seen for some months before, and the popular story is that he was murdered by his own men for the collapses in the mines. Others say that he was cursed by the gold itself. There is still another rumour that he was instead driven mad by his deeds and was locked in the gaol's punishment hole - never to be released. Nobody knows, and no body was found. His commercial concerns quickly descended into anarchy and then ruin.
Boom town to Ghost town. An age old story.
Cheketa’s Spoils
The Party take their time going through the ruined husks of the golems and the skeletons but they find nothing of interest until they get to the Orcesses.
Considering he is at home and surrounded by more than adequate supplies of wine and owl feathers, Bodush ‘Identifies’ everything of interest.
(It costs him.19 pearls!)
Cheketa was their obvious leader and was dressed in surprising finery considering her Orcish upbringing.
She has:
A Ring of Counterspells. (Sale value: 2,000gp)
A Masterwork Silver Sickle. (Sale value: 163 gp)
2 x Potion of Cure Serious Wounds. (Sale value: 375gp each)
A pouch containing: (4 gems worth 100gp each.)
A silver necklace: (Worth 300gp.)
Thora though at least partially responsible for her mistresses death, was Cheketa’s second in command.
She has:
+2 Great Axe of Dwarven bane. (Sale value: 9,155gp)
+1 Heavy Crossbow. (Sale value: 1,175gp)
+2 Chain shirt. (Sale value: 2,625gp)
A Potion of Cure Serious Wounds. (Sale value: 375gp)
20 crossbow bolts. (Sale value: 1gp)
A pouch containing: (6 gems worth 50gp each.)
The Sisterhood Rogues all had matching equipment:
6 x Short swords +1 (Sale value: 1,155gp each)
6 x Potion of Cure Serious Wounds. (Sale value: 375gp)
6 x Masterworks Studded leather armour. (Sale value: 87.5 gp)
6 x Masterworks Light crossbow. (Sale value: 167.5gp)
6 x 20 crossbow bolts. (Sale value: 1gp)
6 x A pouch containing: (5 gems worth 10gp each.)
Considering he is at home and surrounded by more than adequate supplies of wine and owl feathers, Bodush ‘Identifies’ everything of interest.
(It costs him.19 pearls!)
Cheketa was their obvious leader and was dressed in surprising finery considering her Orcish upbringing.
She has:
A Ring of Counterspells. (Sale value: 2,000gp)
A Masterwork Silver Sickle. (Sale value: 163 gp)
2 x Potion of Cure Serious Wounds. (Sale value: 375gp each)
A pouch containing: (4 gems worth 100gp each.)
A silver necklace: (Worth 300gp.)
Thora though at least partially responsible for her mistresses death, was Cheketa’s second in command.
She has:
+2 Great Axe of Dwarven bane. (Sale value: 9,155gp)
+1 Heavy Crossbow. (Sale value: 1,175gp)
+2 Chain shirt. (Sale value: 2,625gp)
A Potion of Cure Serious Wounds. (Sale value: 375gp)
20 crossbow bolts. (Sale value: 1gp)
A pouch containing: (6 gems worth 50gp each.)
The Sisterhood Rogues all had matching equipment:
6 x Short swords +1 (Sale value: 1,155gp each)
6 x Potion of Cure Serious Wounds. (Sale value: 375gp)
6 x Masterworks Studded leather armour. (Sale value: 87.5 gp)
6 x Masterworks Light crossbow. (Sale value: 167.5gp)
6 x 20 crossbow bolts. (Sale value: 1gp)
6 x A pouch containing: (5 gems worth 10gp each.)
We can mint our own Gold pieces!
Additional treasure from Tagati...
Mendez:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
Durin:
10 Red Garnets (100gp each)
11467gp
Bodush:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
Chen:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
Eolar/Elogyn:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
Wer:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
I guess that means that Wer can afford the Ring and the Raven.
Mendez:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
Durin:
10 Red Garnets (100gp each)
11467gp
Bodush:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
Chen:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
Eolar/Elogyn:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
Wer:
Jewlery piece: 1000gp each
2 Red Garnets (100gp each)
9467gp
I guess that means that Wer can afford the Ring and the Raven.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Mines of Terroth : Experience 2
Experience from encounter with orc guards and Jack MacCall outside the entrance to the Sutter's Hill mine, the Monstrous Centipedes and the final battle with Tagati and his minions are as follows:
Eolar: Level 16: 127,366
Bodush: Level 14: 102,159
Elogyn: Level 13: 87548
Durin: Level 13: 83868
Chen: Level 14: 100163
Mendez: Level 16: 125753
Wer: Level 14: 99757
Thes-hiss: Level 14 (16): 99750
Eolar: Level 16: 127,366
Bodush: Level 14: 102,159
Elogyn: Level 13: 87548
Durin: Level 13: 83868
Chen: Level 14: 100163
Mendez: Level 16: 125753
Wer: Level 14: 99757
Thes-hiss: Level 14 (16): 99750
Friday, November 20, 2009
Tagati’s Treasure
Sale value of magical items found:
Amulet of Natural Armour +2 4000gp
Figurine of Wondrous power: Raven 1900gp
Gloves of Arrow snaring 2000gp
Headband of intellect 2000gp
Ring of Protection +3 9000gp
Potion of Cure Serious wounds. 375gp
Potion of Cure Serious wounds. 375gp
Potion of Barkskin +4 450gp
Boots of Speed 6000gp
Chain Shirt +2 2125gp
Short Sword +2 4155gp
Long Sword +3 9158gp
Therefore:
Mendez:
Boots of Speed
348gp
Durin:
Amulet of Natural Armour +2
Potion of Barkskin +4
Potion of Cure Serious wounds. (Unused)
1898gp
Bodush:
Headband of intellect +2
4723gp
Chen:
6723gp
Eolar/Elogyn
Chain Shirt +2
4598gp
Wer:
Ring of Protection +3
Figurine of Wondrous power: Raven
OWES THE PARTY 4177gp!!! Can she afford it?
(There was some debate going on regarding the ownership of the ‘Ring’. Both Eolar and Wer wanted it.)
As nobody wanted the ‘Gloves’ and ‘Swords’, they were just sold for cash.
(This cost Bodush 12 pearls. (Costs already factored in.)
ADDITIONAL TREASURE (Money)
You also find among Tagati's hoard the following:
Stockpile of Gold Nuggets : 1200lb (60,000gp) Can be minted into GP (5% cost)
Jewlery pieces * 5 : 1000gp each
Gems : 20 Red Garnets (100gp each)
Amulet of Natural Armour +2 4000gp
Figurine of Wondrous power: Raven 1900gp
Gloves of Arrow snaring 2000gp
Headband of intellect 2000gp
Ring of Protection +3 9000gp
Potion of Cure Serious wounds. 375gp
Potion of Cure Serious wounds. 375gp
Potion of Barkskin +4 450gp
Boots of Speed 6000gp
Chain Shirt +2 2125gp
Short Sword +2 4155gp
Long Sword +3 9158gp
Therefore:
Mendez:
Boots of Speed
348gp
Durin:
Amulet of Natural Armour +2
Potion of Barkskin +4
Potion of Cure Serious wounds. (Unused)
1898gp
Bodush:
Headband of intellect +2
4723gp
Chen:
6723gp
Eolar/Elogyn
Chain Shirt +2
4598gp
Wer:
Ring of Protection +3
Figurine of Wondrous power: Raven
OWES THE PARTY 4177gp!!! Can she afford it?
(There was some debate going on regarding the ownership of the ‘Ring’. Both Eolar and Wer wanted it.)
As nobody wanted the ‘Gloves’ and ‘Swords’, they were just sold for cash.
(This cost Bodush 12 pearls. (Costs already factored in.)
ADDITIONAL TREASURE (Money)
You also find among Tagati's hoard the following:
Stockpile of Gold Nuggets : 1200lb (60,000gp) Can be minted into GP (5% cost)
Jewlery pieces * 5 : 1000gp each
Gems : 20 Red Garnets (100gp each)
Everyone relax, Mendez is here
Mendez strolls back up the hill, warm with brandy and the knowledge that he is heading back home soon.
He had found a message from his Father waiting in his favourite tavern inviting him and his friends back to the city of Shalalah.
At last his Father has accepted his choices and his friends.
He’s half way up the hill when he sees smoke rising from Bodush’s secluded mansion.
Suddenly sober, Mendez sprints the remaining distance.
There are bodies everywhere. A macabre mess of Orc women, giant skeletons and weird stitched together grotesques.
He runs around the still smouldering building until he finds his friends… and a grim looking Elf.
“Is everyone alright? What happened?”
In silent response, Thesis gestures to the ground at his feet. There lie the cold bodies of Durin and Elogyn.
“Sweet Ehlonna, can’t I leave you guys alone for one evening?”
He had found a message from his Father waiting in his favourite tavern inviting him and his friends back to the city of Shalalah.
At last his Father has accepted his choices and his friends.
He’s half way up the hill when he sees smoke rising from Bodush’s secluded mansion.
Suddenly sober, Mendez sprints the remaining distance.
There are bodies everywhere. A macabre mess of Orc women, giant skeletons and weird stitched together grotesques.
He runs around the still smouldering building until he finds his friends… and a grim looking Elf.
“Is everyone alright? What happened?”
In silent response, Thesis gestures to the ground at his feet. There lie the cold bodies of Durin and Elogyn.
“Sweet Ehlonna, can’t I leave you guys alone for one evening?”
First Impressions
Hawkmoon stood to one side in Bodush's reception room. The surviving members of the party were stood talking with, presumably, another of their number. It appeard that he was called Mendez, and was obviously well liked and respected by the rest of the group. He was also obviously another archer and his almost grotesquely overt display of jewellery and finery spoke to Hawkmoon - maybe there would be money to made here, after all.
"Rou - come away form there".
The kitten had crept over to the chaise longue upon which the dead dwarf had been lain and, with a gleam in her eyes, was about to nibble on the fingers of the hand which hung towards the floor. The cat, it seemed, had a rather macabre fascination with the digits of the recently dead.
Having now met this group his first impressions are those of bewilderment. From what he'd been told of the success of this group he had expected them to be well organised and prepared. Instead he met them bedraggled and beaten - obviously fresh from a fight and completely unprepared for anything else. How Bodush had allowed a roving band of orks to infiltrate his mansion in his abence was unbelievably. Hawkmoon knew his magical gifts paled into insignificance nect to those of the scorceror, but still... A little imagination goes a long way.
His eyes fell again on the fallen Durin and Elogyn. It may well be a shame that they had died, but they really had no-one to blame for themselves, and he felt no sympathy towards them. It was inconceivable that a group of hardened adventurers would let this happen. His experience as a mercenary would surely be of use here...
He had developed some admiration for the prowess of Bodush and Wer however. They had responded quickly to the surprise attack, and had acquitted themselves well in the combat. The way that Bodush had managed to stay alive was... impressively disconcerting.
He walked over to join the main group. "You must be Mendez - I am Dulinithil Cu'Maksa, though you may find it easier to call me Hawkmoon Bowgentle. While the prosepect of visiting yet another of your homes fills me with dread of what may come to pass I find it hard to believe that anywhere could be less safe than here. For what little it may be worth, I would accept your offer."
A motion of his hand waves in the direction of Durin and Elogyn. "Perhaps it may be wise to prepare ourselves a little first though? Just in case, of course..."
"Rou - come away form there".
The kitten had crept over to the chaise longue upon which the dead dwarf had been lain and, with a gleam in her eyes, was about to nibble on the fingers of the hand which hung towards the floor. The cat, it seemed, had a rather macabre fascination with the digits of the recently dead.
Having now met this group his first impressions are those of bewilderment. From what he'd been told of the success of this group he had expected them to be well organised and prepared. Instead he met them bedraggled and beaten - obviously fresh from a fight and completely unprepared for anything else. How Bodush had allowed a roving band of orks to infiltrate his mansion in his abence was unbelievably. Hawkmoon knew his magical gifts paled into insignificance nect to those of the scorceror, but still... A little imagination goes a long way.
His eyes fell again on the fallen Durin and Elogyn. It may well be a shame that they had died, but they really had no-one to blame for themselves, and he felt no sympathy towards them. It was inconceivable that a group of hardened adventurers would let this happen. His experience as a mercenary would surely be of use here...
He had developed some admiration for the prowess of Bodush and Wer however. They had responded quickly to the surprise attack, and had acquitted themselves well in the combat. The way that Bodush had managed to stay alive was... impressively disconcerting.
He walked over to join the main group. "You must be Mendez - I am Dulinithil Cu'Maksa, though you may find it easier to call me Hawkmoon Bowgentle. While the prosepect of visiting yet another of your homes fills me with dread of what may come to pass I find it hard to believe that anywhere could be less safe than here. For what little it may be worth, I would accept your offer."
A motion of his hand waves in the direction of Durin and Elogyn. "Perhaps it may be wise to prepare ourselves a little first though? Just in case, of course..."
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Freebril
Although still unbowed from the dual threats from the North and West, The St Cuthbertian rulers of Febril do nothing.
Despite calls to action from the Paladin quarter, the leadership is tied up in a deadlock. Internal debates prevent any true progress and now, thanks to the recent reorganisation of the command structure, no one individual or group has the authority to do anything independently.
Despite calls to action from the Paladin quarter, the leadership is tied up in a deadlock. Internal debates prevent any true progress and now, thanks to the recent reorganisation of the command structure, no one individual or group has the authority to do anything independently.
SeaHell
After Thereanthor’s control of Gom Dalat was complete, Zatark unfurled his mighty wings and flew slowly over to Seawell.
He’d been preparing the city for years and had most of the important members of its society under his thrall.
Mayor Boscorm had eliminated anyone who might have suspected or stood in his way over the last year. Some politically, some more traditionally.
Arriving in darkness, Zatark enters the city keep. Like most things in this city, everything is prepared. It’s previous occupant being unfortunately driven out by those idiotic adventurers.
Settling into an enormous throne and surrounded by his minions, the mighty Devil laughs long into the night.
He’d been preparing the city for years and had most of the important members of its society under his thrall.
Mayor Boscorm had eliminated anyone who might have suspected or stood in his way over the last year. Some politically, some more traditionally.
Arriving in darkness, Zatark enters the city keep. Like most things in this city, everything is prepared. It’s previous occupant being unfortunately driven out by those idiotic adventurers.
Settling into an enormous throne and surrounded by his minions, the mighty Devil laughs long into the night.
Gone Dalat
The ancient Blue Dragon wasted no time in claiming dominion over the city of Gom Dalat.
Once the combined Elf and Orc forces were destroyed or driven out of the nearby lands, Thereanthor claimed them as her own.
The human city was allowed to go on semi-independently, as long as certain rules were adhered to…
And a suitable tariff of virginal flesh paid at each full moon.
The Dragon disciples rapidly gained in numbers and hundreds of Kobolds, eager to serve one of their forebears, started swarming into the surrounding areas.
With any attempts at rebellion quickly crushed, Thereanthor’s control over the entire region was soon uncontested.
Once the combined Elf and Orc forces were destroyed or driven out of the nearby lands, Thereanthor claimed them as her own.
The human city was allowed to go on semi-independently, as long as certain rules were adhered to…
And a suitable tariff of virginal flesh paid at each full moon.
The Dragon disciples rapidly gained in numbers and hundreds of Kobolds, eager to serve one of their forebears, started swarming into the surrounding areas.
With any attempts at rebellion quickly crushed, Thereanthor’s control over the entire region was soon uncontested.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Please allow me to introduce myself...
The charcoal grey short-haired kitten hissed and spat at the dying would-be thief. From his chest sprouted three arrows - still crackling slightly with electricity. A silent shadow stood over him and looked down with contempt in his green eyes. The silouhette of his ears against the dull , amber streetlight marked him out as an elf.
"Who... who are you?" sputtered the thief through a throat of foaming blood.
"Who am I?" sneered the standing form. "I am Dulinithil Cu'Maksa, though I doubt your common tongue could handle such subtle syllables. Instead you may know me as Hawkmoon Bowgentle - though why I was named this I do not know. I have no especial affinity for hawks nor moons, and neither is my bow gentle." Twisting an arrow so as to make the thief gurgle in pain, he added "A fact to which you can attest."
Hawkmoon continued. "You may also wish to know of the bow. The bow you sought to steal. The bow which instead has killed you. This is the Longbow of the Leaping Lightning and it is mine. I commissioned the creation of this bow long before your short life began." A cruel smile played across his lips. "And by one look at you I can tell it will survive you also."
The thief groaned - his life energy draining slowly and painfully from him as the blood pooled amongst the cracks between the cobblestones paving the dark alley way in which he lay. Hawkmoon did nothing to ease the suffering, though he took no particular pleasure from it. He had seen so many deaths in his long years serving in mercenary companies that now he had entered business for himself he was not about to go soft.
"I will give you some credit, nameless thief. You were quick. Too quick in fact. Too quick for most of your victims I am sure. Unfortunately for you, however, I am no mere bowman but have the gifts of the arcane to support me..."
"Now - up close - my suspicions as to the nature of this speed are confirmed. How you came by them I know, or care not. I do know and care, though, that such pretty footwear should not go wasted."
With that he bent down and dragged the boots roughly from the thief's feet - causing yet more blood to bubble up from the arrow wounds. Seating himself on a nearby kerb, he casually removed his own, and not overly worn, boots - tossing them carelessly over his shoulder - and replaced them with those he had just looted from the unfortunate thief.
Standing slowly Hawkmoon stretched his feet in the leathern boots to ease the fit. "They suit me better than they suited you, don't they Mr. Thief?!" He chuckled jovially, but received no answer. The thief's eternal soul had departed to whichever Hell his faith proposed.
Looking down at the kitten, who had already begun to gnaw on the dead man's toes, he shrugged at the dead thief's fate and said: "Come, Rou. The night is yet young and our struggle through this grim world must continue. Indeed, I have earlier espied that band of adventurers of whom I have heard many a tall tale..."
"Who... who are you?" sputtered the thief through a throat of foaming blood.
"Who am I?" sneered the standing form. "I am Dulinithil Cu'Maksa, though I doubt your common tongue could handle such subtle syllables. Instead you may know me as Hawkmoon Bowgentle - though why I was named this I do not know. I have no especial affinity for hawks nor moons, and neither is my bow gentle." Twisting an arrow so as to make the thief gurgle in pain, he added "A fact to which you can attest."
Hawkmoon continued. "You may also wish to know of the bow. The bow you sought to steal. The bow which instead has killed you. This is the Longbow of the Leaping Lightning and it is mine. I commissioned the creation of this bow long before your short life began." A cruel smile played across his lips. "And by one look at you I can tell it will survive you also."
The thief groaned - his life energy draining slowly and painfully from him as the blood pooled amongst the cracks between the cobblestones paving the dark alley way in which he lay. Hawkmoon did nothing to ease the suffering, though he took no particular pleasure from it. He had seen so many deaths in his long years serving in mercenary companies that now he had entered business for himself he was not about to go soft.
"I will give you some credit, nameless thief. You were quick. Too quick in fact. Too quick for most of your victims I am sure. Unfortunately for you, however, I am no mere bowman but have the gifts of the arcane to support me..."
"Now - up close - my suspicions as to the nature of this speed are confirmed. How you came by them I know, or care not. I do know and care, though, that such pretty footwear should not go wasted."
With that he bent down and dragged the boots roughly from the thief's feet - causing yet more blood to bubble up from the arrow wounds. Seating himself on a nearby kerb, he casually removed his own, and not overly worn, boots - tossing them carelessly over his shoulder - and replaced them with those he had just looted from the unfortunate thief.
Standing slowly Hawkmoon stretched his feet in the leathern boots to ease the fit. "They suit me better than they suited you, don't they Mr. Thief?!" He chuckled jovially, but received no answer. The thief's eternal soul had departed to whichever Hell his faith proposed.
Looking down at the kitten, who had already begun to gnaw on the dead man's toes, he shrugged at the dead thief's fate and said: "Come, Rou. The night is yet young and our struggle through this grim world must continue. Indeed, I have earlier espied that band of adventurers of whom I have heard many a tall tale..."
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
New Banner: Not fade away
In which we see the battle frozen in time.
Bodush's disintegrate might not be enough to have killed Tagati outright, but another blow and we are probably done. However, Tagati will get in at least one more spell and that might well be enough to put Bodush out of the game too. The Golems will fight on regardless and the bears will not last much longer. Will the returning Eolar change the balance?
I think in the end, there can only be one victor. Next time I DM, I won't be so kind!
Bodush's disintegrate might not be enough to have killed Tagati outright, but another blow and we are probably done. However, Tagati will get in at least one more spell and that might well be enough to put Bodush out of the game too. The Golems will fight on regardless and the bears will not last much longer. Will the returning Eolar change the balance?
I think in the end, there can only be one victor. Next time I DM, I won't be so kind!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Is this a Dagger I see before me?
Removing his arrow from the eye socket of the now dead rooftop backstabber, Mendez is quite pleased with how much damage he was able to do with a simple arrow in melee.
Bending down, he pries the obviously magic dagger from his would be assassin’s fingers.
Mendez already has two daggers. A masterwork one he’d bought from Bodush when he first needed one and a minor magical one he found on the magical vendors Quart’s body…
Calling to his Sorcerer friend, Mendez tosses the +1 Dagger. “Hey Bodush! A gift!”
Bending down, he pries the obviously magic dagger from his would be assassin’s fingers.
Mendez already has two daggers. A masterwork one he’d bought from Bodush when he first needed one and a minor magical one he found on the magical vendors Quart’s body…
Calling to his Sorcerer friend, Mendez tosses the +1 Dagger. “Hey Bodush! A gift!”
Friday, November 6, 2009
Out of Character
Mendez breathes hard as he looks down at his defeated opponent and then quickly back up to his friends.
He can tell that they are all surprised by his actions and who can blame them. The truth is that he had expected to be entering another dark room where his arrows would have proved worthless.
When confronted by the two massive, Stone golems and a Human armed with two swords in a well-lit room, his choice seemed pretty clear.
Still he is badly hurt and will surely die unless he gets some immediate help.
Gazing around, Mendez groans as he sees both Elogyn and Eolar still in useless cloud form… And where’s Wer?
He can tell that they are all surprised by his actions and who can blame them. The truth is that he had expected to be entering another dark room where his arrows would have proved worthless.
When confronted by the two massive, Stone golems and a Human armed with two swords in a well-lit room, his choice seemed pretty clear.
Still he is badly hurt and will surely die unless he gets some immediate help.
Gazing around, Mendez groans as he sees both Elogyn and Eolar still in useless cloud form… And where’s Wer?
Get off my cloud
Yes more Stones and Stone Golems ;)
The party readied themselves, knowing that the Necromancer and his creatures must be behind the stone door. Preparing spells to buff themselves up, Durin opened the door. Immediately he launched himself at the largest of the 2 golems in front of him. Amazingly, Mendez decided not to fire his deadly 5 a round arrows and charge in to engage the two-weaponed fighter at the back of the room. And crazily of all, the party decided not to wait until Eolar and Elogyn were fully substantial.
The battle however quickly moved in the adventurers favour. Despite being severely injured and having the finger-of-death pointed in his direction, Mendez, with the help of Chen killed Krael. Wer had summoned 3 Dire Bears to deal with the golems and they and Durin were slowly (!) wearing them down.
Bodush was able to detect the lurking necromancer and fired off a deadly blast of destruction at him. He saw him falter and was sure he had got him. 83 HP damage against a Mage, surely that would be enough to kill him twice!
But, against all odds, the mage had used the time while the adventurers moved through the secret tunnel to prepare himself with Invisibility, Protection from Arrows and Bears Endurance.
And so, with the fight delicately balanced we pause for two weeks ....
The party readied themselves, knowing that the Necromancer and his creatures must be behind the stone door. Preparing spells to buff themselves up, Durin opened the door. Immediately he launched himself at the largest of the 2 golems in front of him. Amazingly, Mendez decided not to fire his deadly 5 a round arrows and charge in to engage the two-weaponed fighter at the back of the room. And crazily of all, the party decided not to wait until Eolar and Elogyn were fully substantial.
The battle however quickly moved in the adventurers favour. Despite being severely injured and having the finger-of-death pointed in his direction, Mendez, with the help of Chen killed Krael. Wer had summoned 3 Dire Bears to deal with the golems and they and Durin were slowly (!) wearing them down.
Bodush was able to detect the lurking necromancer and fired off a deadly blast of destruction at him. He saw him falter and was sure he had got him. 83 HP damage against a Mage, surely that would be enough to kill him twice!
But, against all odds, the mage had used the time while the adventurers moved through the secret tunnel to prepare himself with Invisibility, Protection from Arrows and Bears Endurance.
And so, with the fight delicately balanced we pause for two weeks ....
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
New Banner: It's a gas, gas gas.
Our brave, intrepid adventurer's have found a new way to travel. Windwalking at up to 600ft a round (that's over 40mph!) while in gaseous form, protected from most blows and immune to poison. Able to get in past locked doors and mine collapses and able to change back and forth to corporeal form in less than a minute. Our adventures will certainly be different now!
Can you guess who is who though?
Can you guess who is who though?
No Wer going Fast
The rest of the Party travelled on but Wer and Mendez couldn’t leave the small village of Pearl glen without doing something to address the damage done to the surrounding countryside.
Turning to his diminutive friend, Mendez tries to calm her. ‘Don’t blame them. They just don’t understand the importance of nature.’
Wer glares back. ‘The problem is that their nature is too self important.’
Mendez smiles at Wer’s witty retort.
After three days of restoring the damaged trees and plants, while Mendez searches out and removes Lerrius’ vicious traps, Wer streaks off in hawk form to rejoin the others.
Mendez stays a few extra days, enjoying the hospitality of the grateful people before riding off after his companions.
No matter, though. He’ll arrive in Mausolith soon enough.
Casually tracking his friends he notices that Thesis has gone off in a different direction to the others.
Turning to his diminutive friend, Mendez tries to calm her. ‘Don’t blame them. They just don’t understand the importance of nature.’
Wer glares back. ‘The problem is that their nature is too self important.’
Mendez smiles at Wer’s witty retort.
After three days of restoring the damaged trees and plants, while Mendez searches out and removes Lerrius’ vicious traps, Wer streaks off in hawk form to rejoin the others.
Mendez stays a few extra days, enjoying the hospitality of the grateful people before riding off after his companions.
No matter, though. He’ll arrive in Mausolith soon enough.
Casually tracking his friends he notices that Thesis has gone off in a different direction to the others.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Too important to divvy up the Pearlglen Booty?
Mendez goes through the unclaimed pile of stuff that Bodush identified. Anyone would think Bodush was just doing it for the free booze nowadays.
Mendez:
1xSilversheen (125gp)
20xArrows (.5gp)
1xTanglefoot Bag (25gp)
3xVials of Holy Water (12.5gp each)
3,434gp.
Thesis:
1xPotion of Cure Moderate Wounds (150gp)
1xPotion of Magic Fang (25gp)
1xPotion of Eagle's Splendour (150gp)
3,297gp.
Durin:
1xPotion Cure Moderate Wounds (150gp)
3,472gp.
Eolar:
1xMajor Circlet of Blasting (11,880gp)
2xSunrods (1gp each)
Owes 8,259gp!
Bodush:
3,622gp.
Wer:
3,622gp.
To prevent confusion (Mostly mine) the following were just sold for gold.
1xMoss Agate (10gp)
2xMoonstone (40gp each)
1xAmber (80gp)
1xEmerald (1000gp)
1xStar Sapphire (1100gp)
4000gp
1xSilvernecklace, set with an Obsidian gem (190gp)
1xScroll of Expeditious Retreat (25gp)
1xBracers of Armour +2 (2000gp)
1xMasterwork Studded Leather Armour (87.5gp)
1xMasterwork Buckler (82.5gp)
1xMasterwork Longsword (157.5gp)
1xMasterwork Composite Longbow (+2 STR) (300gp)
1xOil of Magic Weapon (25gp)
Mendez:
1xSilversheen (125gp)
20xArrows (.5gp)
1xTanglefoot Bag (25gp)
3xVials of Holy Water (12.5gp each)
3,434gp.
Thesis:
1xPotion of Cure Moderate Wounds (150gp)
1xPotion of Magic Fang (25gp)
1xPotion of Eagle's Splendour (150gp)
3,297gp.
Durin:
1xPotion Cure Moderate Wounds (150gp)
3,472gp.
Eolar:
1xMajor Circlet of Blasting (11,880gp)
2xSunrods (1gp each)
Owes 8,259gp!
Bodush:
3,622gp.
Wer:
3,622gp.
To prevent confusion (Mostly mine) the following were just sold for gold.
1xMoss Agate (10gp)
2xMoonstone (40gp each)
1xAmber (80gp)
1xEmerald (1000gp)
1xStar Sapphire (1100gp)
4000gp
1xSilvernecklace, set with an Obsidian gem (190gp)
1xScroll of Expeditious Retreat (25gp)
1xBracers of Armour +2 (2000gp)
1xMasterwork Studded Leather Armour (87.5gp)
1xMasterwork Buckler (82.5gp)
1xMasterwork Longsword (157.5gp)
1xMasterwork Composite Longbow (+2 STR) (300gp)
1xOil of Magic Weapon (25gp)
Mine, all mine
It was all clear to Eolar, Bodush, Chen, Durin and Elogyn. The problems in the town and the mine could be laid at the feet of the so-called General Sutter. In an insatiable thirst for power and wealth he had systematically destroyed the Eagle mine and Guthrie Wrigley and his dwarven work-force with it.
But, it seems he had to pay a high price. To consort with a creature as powerful as Tagati the Necromancer was surely a recipe for disaster, and if it ever came to an ultimate struggle for power, there could be only one victor. For now, Tagati was happy to play his part, but for how long?
They were also surprised to have seen 2 of those immense creatures who were carving out wealth and destruction for the General in equal measure - the Stone Golems. A creature so powerful it is said that they are un-affected by magic or weapons. One would have been a challenge, but 2? Surely suicidal.
Thanks to the wonder of Eolar's Wind-Walk, they were able to get out quickly and regroup. Maybe they were wise to to do so, but who knows what Tagati might have in readiness for our adventurers when they return? Clearly, the necromancer was not in evidence in the caverns underneath Eagle mine but his zombies and monsters certainly were. Maybe he was somewhere in Sutter's Hill mine? But, the only way across from the Eagle mine to Sutters appeared to be a water-filled tunnel. Would they brave that entrance or simply wind-walk in through Sutter's Hill?
While they contemplated this in the valley a safe distance from the mines, lady luck seemed to be smiling on them for in the distance they could clearly see the familiar form of an Eagle flying towards them. It was Wer! Now he and his Mud to Rock spell might prove very useful indeed!
Wer explained. She and Mendez had stayed behind for just three days longer in Pearlglen, helping to restore some of the woodland creatures and their devastated habitat. Then, they had traced the party's route to Mausolith and there had found out from Tom Mix at the Platinum Piece what their friends were intending. So, with appropriate haste they set out to find them - Mendez would be with them in a matter of hours.
The party had reformed, holed up in Bodush's magnificent cottage, they contemplated what lay in front of them.
But, it seems he had to pay a high price. To consort with a creature as powerful as Tagati the Necromancer was surely a recipe for disaster, and if it ever came to an ultimate struggle for power, there could be only one victor. For now, Tagati was happy to play his part, but for how long?
They were also surprised to have seen 2 of those immense creatures who were carving out wealth and destruction for the General in equal measure - the Stone Golems. A creature so powerful it is said that they are un-affected by magic or weapons. One would have been a challenge, but 2? Surely suicidal.
Thanks to the wonder of Eolar's Wind-Walk, they were able to get out quickly and regroup. Maybe they were wise to to do so, but who knows what Tagati might have in readiness for our adventurers when they return? Clearly, the necromancer was not in evidence in the caverns underneath Eagle mine but his zombies and monsters certainly were. Maybe he was somewhere in Sutter's Hill mine? But, the only way across from the Eagle mine to Sutters appeared to be a water-filled tunnel. Would they brave that entrance or simply wind-walk in through Sutter's Hill?
While they contemplated this in the valley a safe distance from the mines, lady luck seemed to be smiling on them for in the distance they could clearly see the familiar form of an Eagle flying towards them. It was Wer! Now he and his Mud to Rock spell might prove very useful indeed!
Wer explained. She and Mendez had stayed behind for just three days longer in Pearlglen, helping to restore some of the woodland creatures and their devastated habitat. Then, they had traced the party's route to Mausolith and there had found out from Tom Mix at the Platinum Piece what their friends were intending. So, with appropriate haste they set out to find them - Mendez would be with them in a matter of hours.
The party had reformed, holed up in Bodush's magnificent cottage, they contemplated what lay in front of them.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Treasure - Mines of Terroth, part 1
Magic: (I assume you spend the pearls to identify these)
Battle Axe +4 (Sale value: 16,155gp)
Studded Leather +2 (Sale value: 2,088gp)
3 x Greataxe +2 (Sale value: 4,160gp each)
1 x Potion of Cure moderate wounds (Sale value: 150gp)
1 x potion of darkvision (Sale value: 150gp)
1 x potion of non-detection (Sale value: 375gp)
Other: (if you could carry it)
(I say you leave these behind. We're adventurers, not scrap merchants.)
4 x Masterwork Bastard Swords
4 x Heavy crossbows
7 x Masterwork Splint Mail
Treasure:
Gold Nuggets - 10 lbs (500gp)
47 gp
4 x 100gp gems
Battle Axe +4 (Sale value: 16,155gp)
Studded Leather +2 (Sale value: 2,088gp)
3 x Greataxe +2 (Sale value: 4,160gp each)
1 x Potion of Cure moderate wounds (Sale value: 150gp)
1 x potion of darkvision (Sale value: 150gp)
1 x potion of non-detection (Sale value: 375gp)
Other: (if you could carry it)
(I say you leave these behind. We're adventurers, not scrap merchants.)
4 x Masterwork Bastard Swords
4 x Heavy crossbows
7 x Masterwork Splint Mail
Treasure:
Gold Nuggets - 10 lbs (500gp)
47 gp
4 x 100gp gems
XP - Mines of Terroth, part 1
Not so much XP and nobody levelled - sorry!
Although I did award extra for your judicious play in the town (avoiding trouble) and a little bit extra to Eolar for Wind-Walking the party through much of the rest of the adventure.
Expect much more XP next time!
Eolar: Level 16: 123957
Bodush: Level 14: 98750
Elogyn: Level 13: 84779
Durin: Level 13: 80459
Chen: Level 14: 96759
Mendez: Level 16: 122344
Wer: Level 14: 96348
Thes-hiss: Level 14 (16): 96001
Treasure to follow
Although I did award extra for your judicious play in the town (avoiding trouble) and a little bit extra to Eolar for Wind-Walking the party through much of the rest of the adventure.
Expect much more XP next time!
Eolar: Level 16: 123957
Bodush: Level 14: 98750
Elogyn: Level 13: 84779
Durin: Level 13: 80459
Chen: Level 14: 96759
Mendez: Level 16: 122344
Wer: Level 14: 96348
Thes-hiss: Level 14 (16): 96001
Treasure to follow
Friday, October 30, 2009
A Week in Pearlglen
Eolar moved away from the forge. He was sweating and exhausted and was holding the white glowing chain mail with the tongs. He looked at the armour and was satisfied. It was hard to work the mithral but with the help of the local blacksmith who he had paid to use his forge he finally managed to finalise his work. He dropped the metal into the bucket of water and started to clean up. He had learned a lot in the last couple of days. The blacksmith had taught him how to heat and work the metal and how different metals can be used for different purposes.
He met Thes-Hiss in front of the tavern and handed over the new armour. After trying it out the lizardman had to agree that it was less noisy and less restrictive to move in it. Eolar was pleased. Another happy customer and more money for his monastery. Soon he can think about the refurbishments he had in mind for a while to provide better study rooms for the growing number of acolytes. He looked over to the few stalls that were on the market today. A nice piece of leather caught his eye. If he could use the forge again to make some smaller studs he might be able to also fulfill the dwarfs wishes....
[Thesis gets Enhanced Elven Chain +1 (Silent Moves) and gives Eolar 5000gp]
He met Thes-Hiss in front of the tavern and handed over the new armour. After trying it out the lizardman had to agree that it was less noisy and less restrictive to move in it. Eolar was pleased. Another happy customer and more money for his monastery. Soon he can think about the refurbishments he had in mind for a while to provide better study rooms for the growing number of acolytes. He looked over to the few stalls that were on the market today. A nice piece of leather caught his eye. If he could use the forge again to make some smaller studs he might be able to also fulfill the dwarfs wishes....
[Thesis gets Enhanced Elven Chain +1 (Silent Moves) and gives Eolar 5000gp]
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Exile
Upon their return to Gom Dalat, Chen retires to a modest and quiet hotel suite to contemplate what they have wrought. Gazing into the mirror, shaving his head, he meditates on the release of the Pit Fiend into Fissa.
Of course he wanted the Balance restored - he and his friends had done too much Good in recent times... Stopping an evil monk and restoring warring factions to peace, helping to halt a Dragonborn invasion fleet, the list goes on. Of course, then, it is only right that some Evil is done to redress this state of affairs...
But a Pit Fiend loose in the world?! This is too much...
Chen makes the decision to take a leave of absence from his friends and return to his monastery. News of this magnitude can not be delivered by carrier pigeon. He says his goodbyes and departs.
The journey is long, but uneventful and swift, and he soon arrives back at the monastery to lay himself prostrate at the feet of his Sifus. He explains what came to pass in the mountains near Gom Dalat - how the elves failed to warn him of the dangers the Black Cloaks threatened though he had tried on numerous occasions to communicate with them, and how the elves instead had formed an unlikely alliance with an ork army. He admits his role in holding off the orks until the Pit Fiend appeared, only then knowing the full depths of the Black Cloaks' betrayal.
As a penance the elders order him to clear the Great Courtyard free of all the cherry blossoms with nothing but a pair of chopsticks. As soon as one blossom is collected, another falls to the ground in its stead. It is an impossible task. The days and weeks pass slowly in backbreaking labour, but Chen's mind is free to wander - free to explore the possibilities that are now laid out in front him. Eventually, one of the masters bids him to stop and walk a while.
"Why did we give you an impossible task Chen?"
"The task was meaningless, Sifu. But the time it gave me to think was invaluable."
"Just so, Chen. You learn quickly... Now tell me, of what did you think?"
"I thought on how to restore the Balance. On how to send the Pit Fiend back to the Hell from whence it came."
"Just so. Just so. And how do you intend to do this?"
"I... I don't know."
"Just so. The other masters and I have reached the same conclusion. We do not possess the answer to this problem. We understand that you will not learn how to do this by clearing the courtyard of cherry blossoms. You have let a great Evil into this world Chen, and it is your responsibility to right this wrong.
"Yes, Sifu."
"You will return to your band of adventurers; you will grow stronger; you will learn how to combat the daemon; and you will banish him from this land forever...
"Then, and only then, will you be permitted to return to us here."
Of course he wanted the Balance restored - he and his friends had done too much Good in recent times... Stopping an evil monk and restoring warring factions to peace, helping to halt a Dragonborn invasion fleet, the list goes on. Of course, then, it is only right that some Evil is done to redress this state of affairs...
But a Pit Fiend loose in the world?! This is too much...
Chen makes the decision to take a leave of absence from his friends and return to his monastery. News of this magnitude can not be delivered by carrier pigeon. He says his goodbyes and departs.
The journey is long, but uneventful and swift, and he soon arrives back at the monastery to lay himself prostrate at the feet of his Sifus. He explains what came to pass in the mountains near Gom Dalat - how the elves failed to warn him of the dangers the Black Cloaks threatened though he had tried on numerous occasions to communicate with them, and how the elves instead had formed an unlikely alliance with an ork army. He admits his role in holding off the orks until the Pit Fiend appeared, only then knowing the full depths of the Black Cloaks' betrayal.
As a penance the elders order him to clear the Great Courtyard free of all the cherry blossoms with nothing but a pair of chopsticks. As soon as one blossom is collected, another falls to the ground in its stead. It is an impossible task. The days and weeks pass slowly in backbreaking labour, but Chen's mind is free to wander - free to explore the possibilities that are now laid out in front him. Eventually, one of the masters bids him to stop and walk a while.
"Why did we give you an impossible task Chen?"
"The task was meaningless, Sifu. But the time it gave me to think was invaluable."
"Just so, Chen. You learn quickly... Now tell me, of what did you think?"
"I thought on how to restore the Balance. On how to send the Pit Fiend back to the Hell from whence it came."
"Just so. Just so. And how do you intend to do this?"
"I... I don't know."
"Just so. The other masters and I have reached the same conclusion. We do not possess the answer to this problem. We understand that you will not learn how to do this by clearing the courtyard of cherry blossoms. You have let a great Evil into this world Chen, and it is your responsibility to right this wrong.
"Yes, Sifu."
"You will return to your band of adventurers; you will grow stronger; you will learn how to combat the daemon; and you will banish him from this land forever...
"Then, and only then, will you be permitted to return to us here."
Creationism
Eolar took his bow and aimed at the target in the distance. The arrow flew and hit the target spot on. Eolar had a pleased smile on his face. He had spent every free minute in the last 7 days enhancing it and it seemed to have paid off. The bow was more balanced and aiming was easier. It was the first weapon he had worked on after strengthening his chain shirt and crafting the amulet at the monastery. The stone for Chen had been easy but the amulet had taken him 16 days to finish. He looked at the piece of jewellery hanging from his neck. It had a strong transmutation spell woven into the material which improved his abilities noticeably.
He was pleased. His crafting skills had improved but he was still far away of being a master of the trade. But he was learning quickly. He enjoyed creating powerful items. If only he had more time to spend on his new obsession. But there was always some time where he could find some peace and quiet to get his tools out. He was already looking for some more materials for his next creation. He looked at the dust on the ground and remembered the dust Telfis once had. It could store water. That was something to try while he was searching for materials. Shouldn't be too difficult!
[Eolar created a periapt of wisdom +4, increased the enhancement of his chain shirt from +1 to +2, imbued his bow with a +1 enhancement plus bane(human) and created some dust of dryness. XP deducted in last XP post from Scott. In total 27000gp and 27days were spent]
He was pleased. His crafting skills had improved but he was still far away of being a master of the trade. But he was learning quickly. He enjoyed creating powerful items. If only he had more time to spend on his new obsession. But there was always some time where he could find some peace and quiet to get his tools out. He was already looking for some more materials for his next creation. He looked at the dust on the ground and remembered the dust Telfis once had. It could store water. That was something to try while he was searching for materials. Shouldn't be too difficult!
[Eolar created a periapt of wisdom +4, increased the enhancement of his chain shirt from +1 to +2, imbued his bow with a +1 enhancement plus bane(human) and created some dust of dryness. XP deducted in last XP post from Scott. In total 27000gp and 27days were spent]
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Treasure
You search Hobliah's and Lerrius' bodies and the temple and you find quite a haul, considering the ease with which you cleared the temple. After separating what rightfully belongs to the villagers, and sneakily using some of the famous Pearlglen pearls to identify items (!) you are left with:
Hobliah's horde contains:
1xMoss Agate (10gp)
2xMoonstone (40gp each)
1xAmber (80gp)
1xEmerald (1000gp)
1xStar Sapphire (1100gp)
4000gp
1xScroll of Expeditious Retreat (25gp)
1xPotion of Eagle's Splendour (300gp)
1xBracers of Armour +2 (4000gp)
Lerrius' pin-cushion of a corpse:
1xMasterwork Studded Leather Armour (175gp)
1xMasterwork Buckler (165gp)
1xMasterwork Longsword (315gp)
1xMasterwork Composite Longbow (+2 STR) (600gp)
20xArrows (1gp each)
1xSilversheen (250gp)
1xOil of Magic Weapon (50gp)
1xPotion Cure Moderate Wounds (300gp)
1xScroll of Bless Weapon (100gp)
1xTanglefoot Bag (50gp)
2xSunrods (2gp each)
3xVials of Holy Water (25gp each)
Hobliah's unwashed body:
1xMajor Circlet of Blasting (23760gp)
1xPotion of Cure Moderate Wounds (300gp)
1xPotion of Magic Fang (50gp)
1xSilvernecklace, set with an Obsidian gem (190gp)
Hobliah's horde contains:
1xMoss Agate (10gp)
2xMoonstone (40gp each)
1xAmber (80gp)
1xEmerald (1000gp)
1xStar Sapphire (1100gp)
4000gp
1xScroll of Expeditious Retreat (25gp)
1xPotion of Eagle's Splendour (300gp)
1xBracers of Armour +2 (4000gp)
Lerrius' pin-cushion of a corpse:
1xMasterwork Studded Leather Armour (175gp)
1xMasterwork Buckler (165gp)
1xMasterwork Longsword (315gp)
1xMasterwork Composite Longbow (+2 STR) (600gp)
20xArrows (1gp each)
1xSilversheen (250gp)
1xOil of Magic Weapon (50gp)
1xPotion Cure Moderate Wounds (300gp)
1xScroll of Bless Weapon (100gp)
1xTanglefoot Bag (50gp)
2xSunrods (2gp each)
3xVials of Holy Water (25gp each)
Hobliah's unwashed body:
1xMajor Circlet of Blasting (23760gp)
1xPotion of Cure Moderate Wounds (300gp)
1xPotion of Magic Fang (50gp)
1xSilvernecklace, set with an Obsidian gem (190gp)
XP aka I told you it was easy aka don't expect too much!
So, maybe the encounters weren't that challenging to adventurers as heroic as you.
Mendez: Level 16: 122344
Eolar: Level 16: 122032 [1434 deducted for crafting]
Bodush: Level 14: 96925
Wer: Level 14: 96348
Thes-hiss: Level 14 (16): 93994
Elogyn: Level 13: 83297
Durin: Level 13: 78634 - LEVEL UP!
Please don't hurt me. I'll do better next time...
Mendez: Level 16: 122344
Eolar: Level 16: 122032 [1434 deducted for crafting]
Bodush: Level 14: 96925
Wer: Level 14: 96348
Thes-hiss: Level 14 (16): 93994
Elogyn: Level 13: 83297
Durin: Level 13: 78634 - LEVEL UP!
Please don't hurt me. I'll do better next time...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Are we nearly there yet?
Already badly burnt and tired from the second leg of his journey, Mendez struggles forward.
The group of women and children he's escorting on this difficult journey are exhausted but still he has to drive them on.
Carrying both of the small children, Mendez reminds himself that Paradise is only half a day away.
The group of women and children he's escorting on this difficult journey are exhausted but still he has to drive them on.
Carrying both of the small children, Mendez reminds himself that Paradise is only half a day away.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
The Shrine of the Feathered Serpent
Everyone looks around, surveying the destruction they have reaped. 8 dead gargoyles, a gnome, a spirit naga, and a gigantic behir. They all realise they had gotten lucky. The fight may have been an easy one in the end, but Bodush had come closer to death than he would ever wish for and the battle may well have taken a horrendous turn for the worst had Thesis not the strength of character to resist the naga's diabolical gaze.
As Thesis wipes the behir's stinking stomach fluids from his armour and the clerics heal Durin and Bodush, Wer and Mendez set about clearing up the old temple. Wer respectfully buries the bodies of the nymphs and other forest dwellers and Mendez burns the corpses and animal skins which Lerrius had been curing. Between them, Hobliah the spirit naga and Lerrius the gnome ranger had not only separated the villagers from what wealth they had, but they had also reaped untold damage on the local wildlife - something that would take the eco-system ages to recover from.
Eventually, the party decide to return to the village. Thesis carries the statue of the Couatl, glinting in the late afternoon sunlight. Upon their return, they are greeted by Hettag - the remaining cleric of Pelor. Seeing the statue he almost breaks into tears of gratitude: Tears he cannot hold back once he also finds that the party have returned Kalina's armour, signifying that which he not yet brought himself to accept - that she was dead.
The party are welcomed as heroes by the villagers of Pearlglen and during their stay are put up in the most comfortable of the inn's rooms, are waited upon hand and foot by the village maidens, and eat and drink freely across the village. The statue is returned to the Shrine, but the party are not allowed to visit for the duration of their stay.
During this time, the party learn that - in the case of the old Warden's and Cleric's murders - Hettag has requested Pelor to send a new cleric. Eolar (of course) offers his and St Cuthbert's support but this is politely, yet firmly, declined. The village decide to elect a new council of village elders and experts - with this council rotating every two months so that any futher attempts to dominate their government will be much harder in future.
On the morning of their departure, Hettag asks the party to meet him at the shrine. Here they are met by the entire village, and a huge celebratory feast of a breakfast is unveiled. The party are ushered into the shrine to finally gaze upon the magnificence of the pearl-encrusted statue.
Set pride of place within the shrine, calmly lit only by sunlight reflected from cleverly placed skylights and mirrors, the statute of the Couatl glints like diamonds as the pearls reflect light around the domed room. It truly is a masterpiece, and makes the spirit naga's magically enhanced impersonation of Tlanextic seem all the more weak. The features on the old priest's tomb are also cunningly highlighted - showing him to have possessed great strength of mind and, however unlikely it may be, the party can easily see how the villagers would believe that it was he who originally brought the extra-planar couatl to rescue Pearlglen from the plague.
Once the initial awe has faded slightly, everyone is able to take in the rest of the room. Placed in such a way that their vigilant gaze never wavers from the tomb and statue, seven pearl-eyed stone-carven busts of Bodush, Wer, Eolar, Elogyn, Durin, Thesis, and Mendez stand atop simple and elegant pedestals in a circle around the edge of the shrine. Behind these around almost the entire circumference of the shrine a tapestried wall hanging recounts the story of the Saviours of the Shrine of the Feathered Serpent.
As Thesis wipes the behir's stinking stomach fluids from his armour and the clerics heal Durin and Bodush, Wer and Mendez set about clearing up the old temple. Wer respectfully buries the bodies of the nymphs and other forest dwellers and Mendez burns the corpses and animal skins which Lerrius had been curing. Between them, Hobliah the spirit naga and Lerrius the gnome ranger had not only separated the villagers from what wealth they had, but they had also reaped untold damage on the local wildlife - something that would take the eco-system ages to recover from.
Eventually, the party decide to return to the village. Thesis carries the statue of the Couatl, glinting in the late afternoon sunlight. Upon their return, they are greeted by Hettag - the remaining cleric of Pelor. Seeing the statue he almost breaks into tears of gratitude: Tears he cannot hold back once he also finds that the party have returned Kalina's armour, signifying that which he not yet brought himself to accept - that she was dead.
The party are welcomed as heroes by the villagers of Pearlglen and during their stay are put up in the most comfortable of the inn's rooms, are waited upon hand and foot by the village maidens, and eat and drink freely across the village. The statue is returned to the Shrine, but the party are not allowed to visit for the duration of their stay.
During this time, the party learn that - in the case of the old Warden's and Cleric's murders - Hettag has requested Pelor to send a new cleric. Eolar (of course) offers his and St Cuthbert's support but this is politely, yet firmly, declined. The village decide to elect a new council of village elders and experts - with this council rotating every two months so that any futher attempts to dominate their government will be much harder in future.
On the morning of their departure, Hettag asks the party to meet him at the shrine. Here they are met by the entire village, and a huge celebratory feast of a breakfast is unveiled. The party are ushered into the shrine to finally gaze upon the magnificence of the pearl-encrusted statue.
Set pride of place within the shrine, calmly lit only by sunlight reflected from cleverly placed skylights and mirrors, the statute of the Couatl glints like diamonds as the pearls reflect light around the domed room. It truly is a masterpiece, and makes the spirit naga's magically enhanced impersonation of Tlanextic seem all the more weak. The features on the old priest's tomb are also cunningly highlighted - showing him to have possessed great strength of mind and, however unlikely it may be, the party can easily see how the villagers would believe that it was he who originally brought the extra-planar couatl to rescue Pearlglen from the plague.
Once the initial awe has faded slightly, everyone is able to take in the rest of the room. Placed in such a way that their vigilant gaze never wavers from the tomb and statue, seven pearl-eyed stone-carven busts of Bodush, Wer, Eolar, Elogyn, Durin, Thesis, and Mendez stand atop simple and elegant pedestals in a circle around the edge of the shrine. Behind these around almost the entire circumference of the shrine a tapestried wall hanging recounts the story of the Saviours of the Shrine of the Feathered Serpent.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Goodness is its own Reward
Any doubts he had about killing the Gnome evaporate as Mendez discovers the remains of the Sylvan skins.
He'd have killed the Gnome for no other reason than that.
In a moment quite unlike Mendez, he leaves without even looking at the treasure.
The only Magic that I noticed was the 'Circlet of Blasting' and that seems a bit gay even for Mendez.
;)
As the treasure was mostly stolen from Pearlglen, I say we give it back to them.
He'd have killed the Gnome for no other reason than that.
In a moment quite unlike Mendez, he leaves without even looking at the treasure.
The only Magic that I noticed was the 'Circlet of Blasting' and that seems a bit gay even for Mendez.
;)
As the treasure was mostly stolen from Pearlglen, I say we give it back to them.
Friday, October 16, 2009
New Banner: You look like a Coatl, but you're a Naga in disguise
So, the stumpy winged Coatl was really a nasty human headed evil snake abomination that was bent on corrupting the god-fearing village of Pearlglen and sucking it dry.
Of course, your favourite band of deed-dooers were not to be fooled and soon revealed the Naga for what she was and defeated her and her puny entourage with some fines!
Mind you, much worse than the Naga (in terms of general evilness) was that little toe-rag of a gnome. What was his excuse? Torturing and maiming those lovely sylvan creatures and keeping their skins for what? A new coat? Sick man - deserved to die horribly - pinned to the wall through the heart by 4 of Mendez's arrows :)
Everyone fought well and bravely, with not a small amount of risk though. Early on it seemed that Bodush might die. Two-thirds of his hit-points gone in one blow and Thesis, possessed, poised behind him about to strike. Fortunately Thesis fought the domination and in the next moment the Naga was utterly destroyed by burst of awesome magic from Bodush.
In the funniest incident of the climactic battle, Thesis (Str 25) found himself out grappled by a gianormous Behir, flicked up into the air and swallowed whole! No sooner had that happend that Thesis clawed his way out of the belly of the beast to find the creature disintegrating around him, thanks once again to the magic of the sorcerer!
Fun and larks - Good job Scott :-D
Of course, your favourite band of deed-dooers were not to be fooled and soon revealed the Naga for what she was and defeated her and her puny entourage with some fines!
Mind you, much worse than the Naga (in terms of general evilness) was that little toe-rag of a gnome. What was his excuse? Torturing and maiming those lovely sylvan creatures and keeping their skins for what? A new coat? Sick man - deserved to die horribly - pinned to the wall through the heart by 4 of Mendez's arrows :)
Everyone fought well and bravely, with not a small amount of risk though. Early on it seemed that Bodush might die. Two-thirds of his hit-points gone in one blow and Thesis, possessed, poised behind him about to strike. Fortunately Thesis fought the domination and in the next moment the Naga was utterly destroyed by burst of awesome magic from Bodush.
In the funniest incident of the climactic battle, Thesis (Str 25) found himself out grappled by a gianormous Behir, flicked up into the air and swallowed whole! No sooner had that happend that Thesis clawed his way out of the belly of the beast to find the creature disintegrating around him, thanks once again to the magic of the sorcerer!
Fun and larks - Good job Scott :-D
Thursday, October 15, 2009
The vampire slayers
They left in the morning after Eolar was able identify their position. They had stopped at old ruins of a castle and used the dungeons to escape the light. The group started the chase by the first break of dawn. Eolar, Elogyn and 8 others changed to gaseous form and went fast as the wind while the others set out on horses.
The first group reached the ruins by midday and when they encountered only 3 guards they decided to attack immdediately. While still in gaseous form they sneaked past the guards and within seconds the undead were killed. None of the captured people were turned yet, not even fed on. After a quick investigation, most guards turned out to be vampire spawn and only the leader a true vampire. Eolar had kept the leader alive who provided some information under torture. The prisoners should have been brought to a castle another days march from the ruins where a vampire lord had taken over and started to built up his realm. The prisoners should have served as slaves and food for the growing vampire population.
After a quick talk to Elogyn and the others it was decided to move on to attack the castle before the lord could fully build up an effective defense. An hour later Cotis arrived with the other fighters and was ordered to move on and meet near the castle while Eolar and Elogyn moved in gaseous form to scout and get information about their destination. Four fighters were ordered to bring the unharmed villagers back while Eolars followers, despite being still confused and dizzy since the dominate spell wore off, decided to join the fight.
It turned out to be a smaller castle build on the side of a smaller mountain. In the few hours of the day that were left they could find out that there was only a small group of vampires around the lord who controlled many humans that were kept as slaves. Eolar had to stop Elogyn who wanted to attack immediately without waiting for the others after she saw that they kept humans like cattle. They went back and met the others at the designated spot.
It was a short battle the next day. The clerics who were prepared to fight undead took the mostly sleeping vampires by surprise. Holding the vampires at bay with holy symbols and daylight spells they slaughtered the first few before all vampires could be awakened. Many others died when they were dragged outside into the bright sunlight. Eolar, Elogyn and Cotis went straight for the lord who turned out to be an elder vampire. After a longer fight and chase through the tunnels under the castle, the vampire managed to escape much to the annoyance of Elogyn who tried to track him down while the others had already returned to the battle.
When Elogyn came back without success the battle was already over. Only few of the humans were used as meat shields by the vampires and were beyond healing. The others were sent home to their villages in the surrounding areas. Although the vampire lord had managed to escape, Eolar considered the attack a success. The chance of the lord returning was slim but Eolar would still check on the ruins in the area from time to time. They also had found rooms filled with treasure which could be brought to good use in the monastery and the valley.
Back at the monastery a regular patrol was started to check on the surrounding villages. Eolar saw a chance to expand the area of influence of the monastery and also to open trade relations to get much needed food. He wondered how the others got along and tried to scry on them in the evenings. He saw that they're on their way to Gom Dalat and saw a chance to meet an old friend in the church there while catching up with his comrades. Leaving Leofwen in charge again, Elogyn and Eolar left the valley behind once more.
The first group reached the ruins by midday and when they encountered only 3 guards they decided to attack immdediately. While still in gaseous form they sneaked past the guards and within seconds the undead were killed. None of the captured people were turned yet, not even fed on. After a quick investigation, most guards turned out to be vampire spawn and only the leader a true vampire. Eolar had kept the leader alive who provided some information under torture. The prisoners should have been brought to a castle another days march from the ruins where a vampire lord had taken over and started to built up his realm. The prisoners should have served as slaves and food for the growing vampire population.
After a quick talk to Elogyn and the others it was decided to move on to attack the castle before the lord could fully build up an effective defense. An hour later Cotis arrived with the other fighters and was ordered to move on and meet near the castle while Eolar and Elogyn moved in gaseous form to scout and get information about their destination. Four fighters were ordered to bring the unharmed villagers back while Eolars followers, despite being still confused and dizzy since the dominate spell wore off, decided to join the fight.
It turned out to be a smaller castle build on the side of a smaller mountain. In the few hours of the day that were left they could find out that there was only a small group of vampires around the lord who controlled many humans that were kept as slaves. Eolar had to stop Elogyn who wanted to attack immediately without waiting for the others after she saw that they kept humans like cattle. They went back and met the others at the designated spot.
It was a short battle the next day. The clerics who were prepared to fight undead took the mostly sleeping vampires by surprise. Holding the vampires at bay with holy symbols and daylight spells they slaughtered the first few before all vampires could be awakened. Many others died when they were dragged outside into the bright sunlight. Eolar, Elogyn and Cotis went straight for the lord who turned out to be an elder vampire. After a longer fight and chase through the tunnels under the castle, the vampire managed to escape much to the annoyance of Elogyn who tried to track him down while the others had already returned to the battle.
When Elogyn came back without success the battle was already over. Only few of the humans were used as meat shields by the vampires and were beyond healing. The others were sent home to their villages in the surrounding areas. Although the vampire lord had managed to escape, Eolar considered the attack a success. The chance of the lord returning was slim but Eolar would still check on the ruins in the area from time to time. They also had found rooms filled with treasure which could be brought to good use in the monastery and the valley.
Back at the monastery a regular patrol was started to check on the surrounding villages. Eolar saw a chance to expand the area of influence of the monastery and also to open trade relations to get much needed food. He wondered how the others got along and tried to scry on them in the evenings. He saw that they're on their way to Gom Dalat and saw a chance to meet an old friend in the church there while catching up with his comrades. Leaving Leofwen in charge again, Elogyn and Eolar left the valley behind once more.
Big Brother
Mendez packs his few belongings and travels on with Chen and the others.
Initially he found the quiet Monk an oddity but over the last two years, he’s grown to like and admire him.
Mendez has often found himself marvelling at the feats of agility that Chen seems to perform so effortlessly. Although no oaf, Mendez could never hope to achieve that level of grace… but still.
Chen helps him where able with subtle guidance and encouragement, until Mendez finally feels that he’s learned enough to use it in the heat of battle.
Looking at his friend, Mendez finally realises that Chen is more like an elder brother.
Mendez spends loads of skill points on the cross class skill ‘Tumble’ and also learns ‘Evasion’!
Initially he found the quiet Monk an oddity but over the last two years, he’s grown to like and admire him.
Mendez has often found himself marvelling at the feats of agility that Chen seems to perform so effortlessly. Although no oaf, Mendez could never hope to achieve that level of grace… but still.
Chen helps him where able with subtle guidance and encouragement, until Mendez finally feels that he’s learned enough to use it in the heat of battle.
Looking at his friend, Mendez finally realises that Chen is more like an elder brother.
Mendez spends loads of skill points on the cross class skill ‘Tumble’ and also learns ‘Evasion’!
Money for no Hope
Once safely back in city, Mendez went immediately to see the leader of the Gom Dalat army.
He told Commander Thul of the hundreds of Powerful Orc warriors that they had killed as well as the Ogre legions and Druid leaders.
He also told of the scores of Black cloaks killed but of their ultimate victory. It’s with a bitter whisper that he spoke of the successful summoning of the immense blue Dragon and foul Devil.
It was at this point that Mendez fudged the truth.
He went on to explain that the Party were caught in the middle of a sprawling battle and only when the Black cloaks had proved victorious, were the Party forced to trick their way out with lies and the promise of loyalty.
As Commander Thul rose slowly to his feet, Mendez coughed and reminded the ashen-faced man of his promised reward for information.
He told Commander Thul of the hundreds of Powerful Orc warriors that they had killed as well as the Ogre legions and Druid leaders.
He also told of the scores of Black cloaks killed but of their ultimate victory. It’s with a bitter whisper that he spoke of the successful summoning of the immense blue Dragon and foul Devil.
It was at this point that Mendez fudged the truth.
He went on to explain that the Party were caught in the middle of a sprawling battle and only when the Black cloaks had proved victorious, were the Party forced to trick their way out with lies and the promise of loyalty.
As Commander Thul rose slowly to his feet, Mendez coughed and reminded the ashen-faced man of his promised reward for information.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
AfterMaths
The massive Thesis hands over thirty of his precious pearls to the spindly Bodush who adds them to his own four.
The young Sorcerer, armed with these pearls, several bottles of dark red wine and a basketful of owl's feathers, staggers off to find some privacy.
He emerges late the next day with a pained look but a smile on his lips.
The Party travel back to Gom Dalat unmolested and find it relatively easy to sell the magical treasure.
(But not to whoever took over Quart's magical emporium!)
Mendez takes the 'Brooch of Shielding' (1,500gp) and the 'Ring of the Ram' (12 charges) (2,064 gp) plus 1x 'Potion of Cure Serious Wounds' (3d8+5)(750gp), 1x 'Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds' (2d8+3) (300gp) and 2x 'Potions of Cure Light Wounds' (1d8+1)(50gp).
He also takes the 2x 'Composite Longbows +2' (+2) (8600gp ea) and the remaining 2 x 'Rings of Protection' +1 (2,000 gp) for his brothers.
Mendez PAYS in: 13,140gp.
Durin takes 2x 'Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds' (2d8+3)(300gp) and 1 x 'Potion of Eagle's Splendor' (300 gp).
Durin also gets: 10,384gp. (Not bad for hardly being there!)
Thesis takes 2x 'Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds' (2d8+3)(300gp) and 2x 'Potions of Cure Serious Wounds' (3d8+5)(750gp).
Thesis also gets: 14,234gp plus 340gp worth of gems and + 8sp (-30 pearls but already compensated for in the money).
Bodush takes the 'Staff of Fire' (36 charges) (12,780 gp).
Bodush also gets: 954gp plus 340gp worth of gems and + 8sp (-4 pearls but already compensated for in the money).
Chen takes the 'Ring of Force Shield' (8,500 gp).
Chen also gets: 5,284gp plus 340gp worth of gems and + 8sp.
Wer takes a 'Ring of Protection +1' (2000gp), the 'Ring of Mind Shielding' (8000gp), the 'Ring of Counterspells' (4000gp) and the 'Leather armour +2' (4160gp),
(We previously agreed that leather armour can be altered to fit.)
You do realise that you can only use two rings at a time right?
Wer PAYS in: 4,487gp (If she can afford it?)
No-one wanted the Intelligent and perversely good 'Bastard' sword. It was worth over 20,000gp!
I ignored all the mundane stuff. It's beneath Mendez to scrabble around in the mud for used weapons and armour. (If anyone wants any of it, they can demean themselves for it.)
I also didn't include the 'Cursed' armour. What sort of hypocrite would Mendez be if he passed that on?
Actually boys, we've done pretty well out of this.
Revise your character sheets and make sure you can carry all that money.
(If you want to exchange it for precious gems, you can in the jewellers quarter for a 5% commission.)
The young Sorcerer, armed with these pearls, several bottles of dark red wine and a basketful of owl's feathers, staggers off to find some privacy.
He emerges late the next day with a pained look but a smile on his lips.
The Party travel back to Gom Dalat unmolested and find it relatively easy to sell the magical treasure.
(But not to whoever took over Quart's magical emporium!)
Mendez takes the 'Brooch of Shielding' (1,500gp) and the 'Ring of the Ram' (12 charges) (2,064 gp) plus 1x 'Potion of Cure Serious Wounds' (3d8+5)(750gp), 1x 'Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds' (2d8+3) (300gp) and 2x 'Potions of Cure Light Wounds' (1d8+1)(50gp).
He also takes the 2x 'Composite Longbows +2' (+2) (8600gp ea) and the remaining 2 x 'Rings of Protection' +1 (2,000 gp) for his brothers.
Mendez PAYS in: 13,140gp.
Durin takes 2x 'Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds' (2d8+3)(300gp) and 1 x 'Potion of Eagle's Splendor' (300 gp).
Durin also gets: 10,384gp. (Not bad for hardly being there!)
Thesis takes 2x 'Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds' (2d8+3)(300gp) and 2x 'Potions of Cure Serious Wounds' (3d8+5)(750gp).
Thesis also gets: 14,234gp plus 340gp worth of gems and + 8sp (-30 pearls but already compensated for in the money).
Bodush takes the 'Staff of Fire' (36 charges) (12,780 gp).
Bodush also gets: 954gp plus 340gp worth of gems and + 8sp (-4 pearls but already compensated for in the money).
Chen takes the 'Ring of Force Shield' (8,500 gp).
Chen also gets: 5,284gp plus 340gp worth of gems and + 8sp.
Wer takes a 'Ring of Protection +1' (2000gp), the 'Ring of Mind Shielding' (8000gp), the 'Ring of Counterspells' (4000gp) and the 'Leather armour +2' (4160gp),
(We previously agreed that leather armour can be altered to fit.)
You do realise that you can only use two rings at a time right?
Wer PAYS in: 4,487gp (If she can afford it?)
No-one wanted the Intelligent and perversely good 'Bastard' sword. It was worth over 20,000gp!
I ignored all the mundane stuff. It's beneath Mendez to scrabble around in the mud for used weapons and armour. (If anyone wants any of it, they can demean themselves for it.)
I also didn't include the 'Cursed' armour. What sort of hypocrite would Mendez be if he passed that on?
Actually boys, we've done pretty well out of this.
Revise your character sheets and make sure you can carry all that money.
(If you want to exchange it for precious gems, you can in the jewellers quarter for a 5% commission.)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
One Bite at a Time
It was two days since the attacks had ceased. First Eolar had thought it was just the silence before the storm and had doubled the guards and urged the council to double the patrols which had been proven successful against the guerrilla-like attacks. Elogyn and Cotis had organised an effective and most importantly mixed militia. Able men from both parts of the formerly divided city had joined in an effort to fight back the attacks. The worse the attacks had gotten, the closer the two parts had grown back together.
The valley had been under constant patrol for two days now but there hadn't been a single report of an attack. Every patrol was accompanied by one of Eolar's followers who acted first most as a healer but was also part of a well organised information network, so Eolar would quickly be informed if something happened out of the ordinary. He looked at the paper again and slowly crumpled it. Two of the groups were missing. That was different. Before, the attackers tried to kill. They never took prisoners. Now both groups were missing. Without bodies, without traces of a major fight. Elogyn and the others looked at him after Leofwen had made a suggestion. It might be worth a shot!
A few minutes later the gathered round the fountain of holy water. Griswald was among the victims so there was an easy chance to see if they were still alive. Eolar cast the spell and looked into the water. After a short moment he could see a group of people walking. Griswald was there and Eolar could see some of the villagers. They were alive, but something in their eyes caught Eolar's attention. Their eyes showed an aboulic stare. Something or somebody was controlling them. After a few minutes one of the guards came into the scrying sensor. First Eolar thought it was one of the former black guards, but as he turned and looked at Griswald, Eolar could see hardened features and a fierce look in his eyes. It reminded Eolar of the eyes of a wild animal on the hunt.
He closed his eyes to think, losing the sensor. He never had seen such a look but he remembered a book that had described something similar. To the surprise of Eolgyn and the others who were looking at him in expectation, Eolar jumped up and ran into the library. They found him moments later concentrating on a book in front of him. He looked up at Elogyn and Leofwen who approached him. "Get a message to the council. We need 20 of the best fighters geared up and ready. Leofwen, get a group of 10 clerics together, pack silver and extra holy symbols! We are going vampire-hunting!"
The valley had been under constant patrol for two days now but there hadn't been a single report of an attack. Every patrol was accompanied by one of Eolar's followers who acted first most as a healer but was also part of a well organised information network, so Eolar would quickly be informed if something happened out of the ordinary. He looked at the paper again and slowly crumpled it. Two of the groups were missing. That was different. Before, the attackers tried to kill. They never took prisoners. Now both groups were missing. Without bodies, without traces of a major fight. Elogyn and the others looked at him after Leofwen had made a suggestion. It might be worth a shot!
A few minutes later the gathered round the fountain of holy water. Griswald was among the victims so there was an easy chance to see if they were still alive. Eolar cast the spell and looked into the water. After a short moment he could see a group of people walking. Griswald was there and Eolar could see some of the villagers. They were alive, but something in their eyes caught Eolar's attention. Their eyes showed an aboulic stare. Something or somebody was controlling them. After a few minutes one of the guards came into the scrying sensor. First Eolar thought it was one of the former black guards, but as he turned and looked at Griswald, Eolar could see hardened features and a fierce look in his eyes. It reminded Eolar of the eyes of a wild animal on the hunt.
He closed his eyes to think, losing the sensor. He never had seen such a look but he remembered a book that had described something similar. To the surprise of Eolgyn and the others who were looking at him in expectation, Eolar jumped up and ran into the library. They found him moments later concentrating on a book in front of him. He looked up at Elogyn and Leofwen who approached him. "Get a message to the council. We need 20 of the best fighters geared up and ready. Leofwen, get a group of 10 clerics together, pack silver and extra holy symbols! We are going vampire-hunting!"
Bodush uses his Mojo
Bodush sits there for a while happily identifying stuff:
Rings:
1x ring of force shield (8,500 gp)
3x ring of protection +1 (2,000 gp)
1x ring of mind shielding (8,000 gp)
1x ring of the ram (12 charges) (2,064 gp)
1x ring of counterspells (4,000 gp) (Dispel Magic)
Scrolls:
1. arcane (375 gp)
- Slow (l3, cl5)
2. arcane (200 gp)
- Burning Hands (l1, cl1)
- Sleep (l1, cl1)
- Cat's Grace (l2, cl3)
3. divine (325 gp)
- Augury (l2, cl3)
- Summon Nature's Ally I (l1, cl1)
- Bull's Strength (l2, cl3)
4. arcane (175 gp)
- Detect Secret Doors (l1, cl1)
- Locate Object (l2, cl3)
5. divine (200 gp)
- Summon Nature's Ally II (l2, cl3)
- Summon Monster I (l1, cl1)
- Faerie Fire (l1, cl1)
Wands:
1. Delay Poison (l2, cl3) (25 charges) (2,250 gp)
2. Knock (l2, cl3) (12 charges) (1,080 gp)
3. Summon Monster I (l1, cl1) (14 charges) (210 gp)
Weapons:
1. short sword +1 (merciful) (8,310 gp)
2. greatsword +1 (2,350 gp)
- sheds light in a 20-foot radius (as a torch)
3. 2x Composite Longbow +2 (+2) (8600gp ea)
Armour:
1. full plate +3 (spell resistance (13)) (26,650 gp)
- CURSE: item has opposite effect/target
2. Leather armour +2 (4160gp)
3. 2x Leather armour +1 (1160gp)
Wondrous Items:
1. bracers of armor (+2) (4,000 gp)
2. brooch of shielding (1,500 gp)
Potions:
1. potion of eagle's splendor (300 gp)
2. 3x Cure serious wounds (3d8+5)(750gp)
3. 5x Cure moderate wounds (2d8+3)(300gp)
4. 2x Cure light wounds (1d8+1)(50gp)
Staffs:
1. staff of fire (36 charges) (12,780 gp)
2. staff of size alteration (9 charges) (5,220 gp)
Intelligent Weapons:
1. bastard sword +3 (20,335 gp)
Int: 9 (-1)
Wis: 12 (1)
Cha: 8 (-1)
Ego: 6
Communication: empathy
Alignment: neutral good
Skills:
sense motive +10
'bless' allies (3 per day)
sheds light in a 20-foot radius
Who wants what?
Rings:
1x ring of force shield (8,500 gp)
3x ring of protection +1 (2,000 gp)
1x ring of mind shielding (8,000 gp)
1x ring of the ram (12 charges) (2,064 gp)
1x ring of counterspells (4,000 gp) (Dispel Magic)
Scrolls:
1. arcane (375 gp)
- Slow (l3, cl5)
2. arcane (200 gp)
- Burning Hands (l1, cl1)
- Sleep (l1, cl1)
- Cat's Grace (l2, cl3)
3. divine (325 gp)
- Augury (l2, cl3)
- Summon Nature's Ally I (l1, cl1)
- Bull's Strength (l2, cl3)
4. arcane (175 gp)
- Detect Secret Doors (l1, cl1)
- Locate Object (l2, cl3)
5. divine (200 gp)
- Summon Nature's Ally II (l2, cl3)
- Summon Monster I (l1, cl1)
- Faerie Fire (l1, cl1)
Wands:
1. Delay Poison (l2, cl3) (25 charges) (2,250 gp)
2. Knock (l2, cl3) (12 charges) (1,080 gp)
3. Summon Monster I (l1, cl1) (14 charges) (210 gp)
Weapons:
1. short sword +1 (merciful) (8,310 gp)
2. greatsword +1 (2,350 gp)
- sheds light in a 20-foot radius (as a torch)
3. 2x Composite Longbow +2 (+2) (8600gp ea)
Armour:
1. full plate +3 (spell resistance (13)) (26,650 gp)
- CURSE: item has opposite effect/target
2. Leather armour +2 (4160gp)
3. 2x Leather armour +1 (1160gp)
Wondrous Items:
1. bracers of armor (+2) (4,000 gp)
2. brooch of shielding (1,500 gp)
Potions:
1. potion of eagle's splendor (300 gp)
2. 3x Cure serious wounds (3d8+5)(750gp)
3. 5x Cure moderate wounds (2d8+3)(300gp)
4. 2x Cure light wounds (1d8+1)(50gp)
Staffs:
1. staff of fire (36 charges) (12,780 gp)
2. staff of size alteration (9 charges) (5,220 gp)
Intelligent Weapons:
1. bastard sword +3 (20,335 gp)
Int: 9 (-1)
Wis: 12 (1)
Cha: 8 (-1)
Ego: 6
Communication: empathy
Alignment: neutral good
Skills:
sense motive +10
'bless' allies (3 per day)
sheds light in a 20-foot radius
Who wants what?
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