Den of the Slave Takers (4e)

Game Master Rev Rosey

4e adventures in the Chaos Scar set in Yorkshire turned up to 11.


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The flock keeps its distance, but makes no move to go away either. Now fully awake, the Blackstreams make tentative preparations to move on, under the watchful eyes of the sheep.


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce looks at the sheep, and rubs her arms gently. Her hair standing on end is not an affect of the misty early morning light. Slowly her confidence coalesces; "Reet, you sheep, what thee want?" she calls out not really expecting a response, however virtually bracing herself for it.

She looks to the lead sheep and starts to say to the others. "Aye, think we'd best be off. I know 'tis a bit cold and tha's tired, but best to be off we can be back in town 'fore t' Knows it."

Her confidence slightly perturbed by the unnatural nature of the flock. Unfortunately having come from a rural community she's heard a fair share of stories about 'sheep', including one particularly gruesome one that Kyle told her when she was little. She throws a annoyed glance at him; 'They are only sheep, Jarl would larrup me if he saw how I was reacting to 'em.'

She walks over to Betsy untying her from the style and reassuring the fretful horse. "I knows thee senses summat's up, but we'll be alreet me dear." her voice quiet trying to keep the nerves out.

Nature (to calm Betsy) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25

She brushes down her hearty horse and hooks it up to the small cart, getting ready to move on.


M Dwarf Wizard 2

Nature 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

"Hmm, is there some sort of communication being undertaken by these woolly ruffians? Is there some sort of flock-mind at work? Or are these just sheep?"


Vondal's sheep lore is less imposing that Luce's but he also feels there is something a little too intelligent about the old ewe. The bulk of the flock look to be simple sheep however.

Under Luce's calming influence, Betsy settles and makes her way steadily back to the trail. The flock follows at a respectful distance.


M Dwarf Wizard 2

"Miss Winterscliffe," whispers Vondal, "What do you make of that ewe leading the flock? It seems preturnaturally intelligent."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce grimaces, ambivalent emotions running through her; pride and fear that a wizard such as Mr Brewerson requests her council. "Aye, I 'ave 'eard tales of some such. Creatures of the fey that hide amongst t' herds watching, waiting to play their 'tricks' 'pon t' unwary."

"Shall we leave them a token, Mr Brewerson, mayhaps they'll take t' tribute and let us be. Or I have 'eard that beasts, gnolls and such can use tribal powers to change their form and scout out prey." Luce voice is cold as she slowly drives the cart before them.


Male Dragonborn Fighter (Guardian): 2

Aurix snorts at all of this talk of dangerous sheep and he rumbles deep in his throat. He stalks forwards and clangs his axe on his shield several times more in hopes of making the sheep all turn away and leave him in peace.
"Away with you walking lamblocks!" he snarls, not liking the idea that mere sheep were getting everyone in such a bother. It was the countryside after all for the love of Kord, sheep were common here weren't they?


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce cringes slightly at the method of the large dragon-born; it was obvious one such as him could truck not with the vagueries of farming. The mystical connection between a farmer and their flock, however Luce feels that his method is honest and probably save them a great deal of worry...maybe.

"Been in Downholme long?" she calls out to Aurix. "Tha' doesn't seem t' have temperment for 'erding."


Male Dragonborn Fighter (Guardian): 2

"Girl I have not been nor ever will be a Shepherd in this life or any other. If you know a way to move these foul little bags of fluff, do so. Herd them your way or I will herd them with mine." Puffs of smoke trail from his nostrils and he flashes the girl a look before he turns back to the herd. He clashes his arms again loudly, beginning to become annoyed at the stubbornness of these simple farm animals.


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce tilts her head at Aurix's comment; "Now then, I didn't mean to insult thee, but me names Luce. Not Girl, Luce or Miss Winterscliffe if you please. You ain't scaring me, you ain't me Da - you're not big enough to be him." she slightly bears her teeth.

Then turns to the sheep; "You want to see a sheep-hearder. PHEEEEEEE!!" the lass stands atop the cart and lets out a very loud whistle. "COME BY." she waves her hand to try a get the sheep to move clockwise away from the cart.


The flock flinches instinctively at the combination of Aurix's axe swing and Luce's whistle. They retreat further, backing off into the fields. Luce could almost swear the old ewe is laughing at her.

Ahead, the trail lies clear, flanked on either side by fields.


Male Dragonborn Fighter (Guardian): 2

Aurix rumbles and crosses his arms with a grin on his draconic visage as he watches the farm-girl finally rise up enough and take charge without rushing out ahead alone. He chuckles. "Somehow I highly doubt that your father is much bigger than me...LUCE" he throws his head back and laughs heartily for one of the few times ever in his life and he turns back to go back to patroling now that the sheep have gone.

He chuckles to himself, these farm folk were full of surprises. First teh mob of children he had no way to defend himself against, and now the girl. Somehow he was starting to like this plain country life...if only if he knew if it could last.


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Smiling back to the ewe, Luce doffs an imaginary cap "Morning Ma'am, see thee later?"

She turns to Aurix; "Aye make a good team, don't we?"

With a quick wink; "Nah, me Da must be 30 hands tall, stubborn as a goat, and can larrump you clear across t' room."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce smiles; "Course I am exageratting for comedic effect. How about you? A noble man such as theeself must have a grand father?" she asks trying to get the dour draken to come out of his scales a bit. As they walk in the early morning light, Luce rubs her shirt slightly checking it for grass marks.

Wow, Autix post was lost in the kerfuffle, PostMonster for the win.


The remainder of the journey passes without incident. Progress is slow, but by late afternoon, Downholme comes into view.


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce looks at the village with slight relief upon her feature, 'Safety at last.' she thinks. But her thoughts are tinted with sorrow; 'Is this to be the end of my journey? Am I to stay at home get married, have children and reminisce over my 'adventure'. Is this the end of my story?'

She looks back to the beautiful hills, the precipises and treacherous trees. 'Home?' and down to the village. 'Civilisation.'

Luce leads Betsy, the Blackstreams and her brother. "Soon be back with your family!" she says to the Halflings trying to keep the emotion from her voice. The steady clack of the cart as it rolls over ther rutted tracks.


Nebin seems to have appointed himself the spokesman. As the wagon trundles on towards Downholme, he speaks.

"I know Jangi will want to thank you properly for all you've done. It would have gone hard for him to lose more of the family. He'll be offering you a place to stay and a reward if you're prepared to take it. The Captain and Mr Aurix have duties, I know, but we'd be honoured to feast you all at least."


M Dwarf Wizard 2

"Excellent! I do enjoy a shindig."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce smiles, pushing her wind-blown hair out of her face. Holding one braid to examine it; "That sounds grand and our lodgin' at the 'Muddy Duck' is o'er, with t' brass me Ma gave me expiring. A bit o' a do... nice." Inwardly she thinks 'Need to have a bit of a scrub up.'

"Thank you kindly, Nebin, Shaena, Lani; I am sorry we could not do more." her eyes glance to the pair in the back of the cart.

She looks to Vondal; "So what's thee think of t' sky-rock? You got t' stuff t' examine it?"


M Dwarf Wizard 2

"I will examine the artefact and attempt to determine its properties. It may require further analysis, possibly at a seat of learning, but I hope that will not be the case."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Her voice light; "That sounds interesting, hope you don't have t' go on over t' one of them colleges. Downholme'd be the more boring for you absense."


M Dwarf Wizard 2

"Indeed, I would prefer to remain in the field longer and continue my researches here."

Out of curiosity, how do I determine the fragment's properties? Just an Arcana check?


Vondal Brewerson wrote:

"Indeed, I would prefer to remain in the field longer and continue my researches here."

Out of curiosity, how do I determine the fragment's properties? Just an Arcana check?

You already did one (with a high roll as well) and determined that you can't determine more about it at the moment. Just that it might be useful and definitely is powerful in some non-specified way.


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

As she leads her stout horse and cart into the town, Luce smells Granny Cooper's rhubarb crumble and there's a quiet rumble from her stomach. A group of children play hop-scotch down a side-lane and there is the clanking of Albert the smith working at his anvil.

"Home, to think we could have lost all of this." Luce remarks to no-one, realising and cherishing how lucky she is - especially since her brother appears to be alive and in, if not rude certainly cheeky, health. "I wonder what Morgana plan was, and how she learnt about... him." she dares not speak of the defilers. But at the sight of a the early morning sun, Luces thoughts more on to a happier future?


As the cart rumbles into Downholme, word of the group's success and arrival seems to spread. It is, of course, the children who notice first. Among them is Aurix's new admirer, the small boy who offered him a sweet.

"Dragonman's back!"
"An' Wolfman!"
"They's all back!"

Lured by the siren call of novelty, the streets slowly fill and before long, Betsy and her wagon are being offered a triumphal escort to Blackstreams. Jangi is waiting with tears in his eyes, barely letting the wagon come to a halt before he's climbing aboard and hugging his kindred.

When he sees the wrapped bodies, he looks grave.

"Drive into the yard or we'll have the whole town helping us," he mutters. Aloud, he shouts to the assembled townsfolk,

"Party tonight! Everyone welcome. We've got our family back."

A happy cheer goes up.


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Her heart soars as the group are welcomed into the town. Basking in the reflected glory of the others, Luce smile to herself. 'This is t' life.' Luce has left her armour off and leads the cart slowly through the cobbled streets, nodding to friends and distant relatives.

She turns to Aurix and Tiberious; "You going to tell your boss about t' coin we reclaimed? See what he says about it?"

"It's Wayan and Nedda, I'm sorry for your loss. I wish there was something more I could say or do." Luce says softly to Jangi, trying to console the man.

She chivvies Betsy on into the stableyard; out of the sight of the gawping crowds. Once inside the yard she puts her hand upon the halflings shoulders, trying to reassure him. "Thank you, without you we could not have rescued Kyle."


"We'll bury them properly. Whatever Nedda became, she was still family."

Jangi has a few words with his staff, and the bodies are moved respectfully away.

Duty done to the dead, he turns his attention back to the party. "I can offer you gold in gratitude, but I'm a merchant and I might have items you'd like better. If you'd like to look at my stock, I'd be honoured to reward you with whatever you'd like."

One magic item each, up to level 2. For free.


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Looking back to the shrouded bodies; "Aye, that's why we brought her back, 'haps she'll have more peace in death than life." Luce says sadly knowing that father time cures all ills.

At the offer of a reward, Luces eyes go wide; "That's very kind, and I hope to do justice to your possessions." her voice holds a note of glee and hope.


Kyle has been unusually silent since his return. When he gets a moment, he takes his sister aside.

"Happen half'uns reet. Kin is kin. Reckon I'll see if Owd Jarl's in better frame. Happen we'd not fratch if'n I paid more heed. Don't want you thinking wrongly of me, Luce, but reckon I'm farm lad at heart and seeing what I've seen, not so sure you are. Bit of a swap like."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce sighs; "There's nowt wrong with farmin'." she says slightly defensively. "But reckon thee's reet, I would like t' see more of the world. At least hang about town for a bit, and if we get t' keep some money should keep us going wi'out leaning on Da's wallet."

She puts her hand on his shoulder; "Now, we should have some drinks and see if we can find thee a lass." 'A good lass could probably settle him down.' she thinks.


Don't forget to pick out your rewards and add them to your character sheets.

Posting is likely to be slow this weekend, with Luce at a convention and Memorial Day in the US, but update when you can.


Male Dragonborn Fighter (Guardian): 2

Aurix, taciturn as always, receieves quite the welcome from the children yet again as they scamper all about and around him. He snorts once and glances at Tiberious before the two of them, the Dragonborn having to dislodge a child every now and then from his powerful leg, march back off to the military post to report again for duty.

Using my coinage reward to buy my +1 Battle-Axe and my Lvl 2 Magic Item reward to posibbly get a suit of +1 Dwarven Plate Armor (Lvl 2 Magic Armor) is that what you had in mind for the magical reward DM? if not I'll just buy the +1 Plate with my reward and think of something else to use my lvl 2 reward for.


M Dwarf Wizard 2

Oh yes, how much cash did we have?


Aurix, you can have that armour as your reward.

Vondal, apart from Jangi's gift, you had between you the equivalent of 1900gp in items and coin and another possible 300gp in the form of a nasty idol of Torag.

The children of Downholme seem to have taken Aurix to their hearts. There is no question that he's the best and most exciting thing to have happened to them in year. His original friend, the sweet-offerer, even goes so far as to drag his mother along to meet the dragonman.

"See mam? I tole you. Proper dragonman and he'm me friend now. Bain't you?"

The child's mother looks slightly doubtful. "Has Tom been pestering? Reet sorry if that's so, but he's curious, see. I'm Tanna Muker, sir. Very pleased to meet you. I runs bakeshop in Downholme."

"She does," comments Jangi. "Best pastrycook in this town by a long way. Don't miss her curd tarts."

As evening draws in, the party starts with a vengeance. Word has spread through the town and it seems that even Jangi's spacious courtyard must burst as more and more people pile in to see the new heroes with their own eyes.

Among them, is Tiberious's commander.

"Good work done there, lad," he comments approvingly. "Can see you're cut out for this. Come and see me when tha hast minute."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce makes sure that she scrubs up for the party, quickly cleaning her clothes. 'Need some 'sunday best' for do's like this' she thinks to her self looking down at her slightly thread-bare white shirt.

Quickly, she gets into the swing of the party. Having known some of these people she feels comfortable, whereas in the prescense of strangers she is distinctly more uncomfortable. Taking a drop of the sloe gin she tries to mingle with some of the younger people; making sure to continue her acquantance despite months spent on the farm.

Laughter rolls around the room as the festivities and joviallity continues, with Kyle cracking his slow sardonic wit. Eventually Luce manipulates to leave him in the 'care' of the buxom Doris.

She approaches Jangi, having thought carefully; "Grand shindig, I t`were thinking. You dealt w'Mrs Wrightsmith's estate, dint thee? I was wondering if I could have her old reading spectacles. I remember her reading t' us kids on summer picnic's, old adventure stories of t' wild fae int' t' forests to the South." she asks thoughtfully.

Level 2 Item - Reading Spectacles


Male Wood Elf Rogue 2 (AC: 18, F: 14, R: 18, W: 15 | HP: 20/30 [7/7 surges] | AP: 0 | Init: +5 [+11] | Passives I: 19, P: 21)

From all the merchant's trinkets and baubles Varis has a hard time thinking of what he may need. That is until he sees a well stylized heavy cloak. It's made of a sturdy material that could possibly turn away somes attacks, and looks thick enough for those cold nights in the trees. As he's thinking about it, he takes his share of money over to the leatherworker's. During the last fight he realized that the way he did his job prior meant his armor saw a bit of wear. Now that he's found himself amongst some thicker action, he will need a set that has less holes and mends to it.

As the festival carries on, Varis finds a comfortable dark corner that he tucks himself into, watching the villagers and their celebrations. As Luce moves about, he waits until she passes nearby to get her attention, "Psst, Luce. The stray flock still has me concerned, could you ask around if there's been any word of them?"

His level 2 item, he takes a +1 cloak of resistance
With his cash, he buys +1 Leather


Male Dragonborn Fighter (Guardian): 2

Aurix bows his head once to the mother of his apaprent new biggest fan and he waves away the mother's worries with one huge hand. "Your little one caused no trouble. Pleasure to meet you marm"
He stomps off towards the barracks then, where he acquires a new set of armor to replace his battered suit of scale. His new armor, crafted in dwarven fashion yet big enough for his bulk, was a magically enchanted suit of plate armor which made him seem even bigger than usual, complete with a visored helm. He shrugged comfortably into the armor and grinned slightly to himself, this was finer gear than he had ever worn and he was glad to claim it as his reward for the adventure. He patted his now heavy money pouch and set out for the nearest weapon merchant to also see about obtaining a new axe to compliment his new armor.

Afterwards he settles himself into the background, leaning against a wall in one huge chair to watch the festivities and even taking pity on the little ones and allowing them to run about him shrieking loudly, all claiming they were the "dragonman warrior". He even allowed one tiny girl-child to fall asleep on his lap, although the proximity to one human so small and fragile made him a little uncomfortable. He was not used to such kindness and joyful times but he was quickly growing, if not fond, than accepting of his new surroundings. Maybe being this little backwater town's protector was a good mission after all. He lets Tiberious handle the commander until he is needed, instead looking after the party goers and the children.

It still made him confused. Why would such playful things prefer to have their play around someone so vastly different? Was he a freakshow? He only hoped he would meet another of his race soon, it might have been the only reason he would settle down permenatly here, if but for some like company. For now, he was content to watch teh humans and halflings at their dancing and laughing, wondering when he would have to take up the axe again.


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

The warm comfort of the party lulls Luce into a cosy feeling. As she wanders to get another drink Varis' words coming from the dark causes her to junp. Her heart pounding from surprise, Luce's glad she no longer held her cup. She turns peering into the shadows and making eye contact with a reassuring glance. "Aye, good idea. I'll start w' Mr Botham, he's a respected farmer and 'll know owt."

Luce collects another cup of wine, determined not to drink this as quck as her last couple of cups. Approaching the farmer with his stout wife sat beside him; Luce nods "Grand do that Mr Blackstream put on. The spread, wonderful and plenty of it." She says self-conciously although secretly revelling in the attention of her town.

After a couple of pleasantries she asks; "Just wondering if thee's 'eard owt strange w' t' flocks like. We were followed by a wild one, led by a ewe w' a funny look in it's eyes. I put it down t' the fey int' 'ollow hills? But has thee seen anything?"


Varis may not feel much at ease amongst such open appreciation, but even he cannot but be warmed by his reception. Although the local farmers know him well enough, his reclusive legend also makes him interesting to the town dwellers, many of whom come up for introductions. Farmer Botham takes him by the hand, twinkling a little at Varis's new, public role.

"Must be strange to thee, but tha shouldst know, tha's reet valued."

Young Tom Muker clearly regards Aurix as his particular property, but he's not alone. When little Clem Keld starts to get sleepy, she heads unerringly for Aurix's large lap and curls up happily on him.

"Me da says tha't dragonborn, rightly. He met your like afore, he says. Int' militia. Said that dragonborn would do owt for pals, like. Reckons you be same kind."

For Luce, this is an evening to revel. There's a special pride that their Luce has done so well and it would be impossible for her not to feel it. Botham claps her warmly on the shoulders as she comes up.

"Fey ewe? Aye. Could be. Not marked, tha says? I'll put out word for thee, our Luce. Happen works not done yet then. Fey ewe's be called by magic, tha knowst. Mebbe yond strange halfing o' Jangi's lured it like. Seemingly she dabbled."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce's mind fleetingly casts back to the 'dungeon' where they found Kyle and the others, she tries hard to keep the revulsion off her face. "Aye, that she did. I wonder where she learnt it? And where the gnoll came from. We've all 'eard tales that there's a pack in t' far hills but I wonder if he were a lone outcast."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Taking another draft of her drink she slowly adds; "Aye, but 'less thee 'eard owt? Best not dwell too long ont' past, we all have things that we don't gab about. Saying that, I knows if owt goes on thee has 'eard it. So 'eard any rumours lately." she leans in conspiritorially, eager for any gossip - personal or stories.


"Gnolls. Can't be doing wi' them. Goblins, now. Goblins can be good workers, tha' knowst. Hires some for shearing. Gets reet under flock."

Botham scratches his head.

"Think on, heard a story about goblins made me think, like. Hires this goblin, Muglor, see. Gets drunk one night and tells me serious-like he's heir to throne in his tribe and been pushed out by usurper. Don't sees as how goblins is much different to us when you come to it. Young Muglor's reet fratched about it. Should be king o' Goblin Hole if he'd his rights he says."

Luce knows the stories of the Goblin Hole. She and Varis have heard the old rhyme chanted often enough.

“What do you do with a lying rogue?
Throw him down the goblin hole!
What do you do with a damned soul?
Throw him down the goblin hole!
Oh, the goblin hole, the goblin hole,
Hell’s at the bottom of the goblin hole!”


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce smiles at the story, it peaks her interest. She stops herself from singing the rhyme as the alcohol subtly changes her attitude, though under her breath Botham can hear her humming the tune.

Emboldened by the alcohol; "So, you hired royalty! That must make thee a Duke or something? Is this Muglor 'ere, it would be grand to meet a King! Tho' why you'd want t' be King o' the 'ole, I don't know."


Botham slaps Luce heartily on the back as he roars with laughter.

"Heh! Me a Duke! Nay lass, Muglor's not come. Went back to woods at end of shearing, said he'd be waiting for Progress and ask boon o' King, so reckon he's serious like."

For more on the King and the Progress, see here.


M Dwarf Wizard 2

"Hmm, can't say I have much truck with goblins - little better than tunnel-running vermin, in my view," says Vondal, his lips curling with distaste. "However, this Progress sounds interesting..."


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce leans in to Mrs Botham, a sensible woman who knows much of the towns' dealings, trying to be subtle she asks;"Is Doris Hawtree attached? T'were thinking of setting 'er wi' Our Kyle." nodding her head towards the buffet table where the couple stands, Kyle showing off a wound to his fore-arm. "She's a solid lass, who'll not be doing with his nonsense. But she would do him t' world of good." Her words come out slightly too loud in her inerbriated state, allowing those at the table to just about hear.

Turning back to the men like nothing happened she continues; "Interesting thee says that, I expect your kin would have more t' do with'em than mine. I thought they were just mischevious imps."

"Aye, we should do some 'xploring." Luce says sipping from her cup. 'I cannot believe I suggested that, I must have had too much to drink.'


Anyone seen Tiberious lately? I know he's got classes and major time issues, but hope all is well with him.


Hi all. Suffered from computer fry-up which deprived me largely of internet.

So, what are you going to do?

The party winds to its natural close as fatigue and booze start to take over the participants. Losing Tiberious in the crush, Commander Reeth hunts down Aurix.

"Been a few more goblin raids than usual over to the west. Nothing that really concerns us, but nothing I'd want coming in closer either. Care to investigate?"


(29/31) Razorclaw Shifter Predator Druid

Luce nursing her head, nods to the Bothams. "Aye mayhaps we should meet up Mr Brewerson, tommorrow like, I don't think I'll be decent before noon. Sluggerbed."

As she staggers off for one last check on her brother and Doris, she wanders off to the bed that Jangi provided.


Kyle seems flattered, but confused by Doris and in the way of menfolk everywhere doesn't appear to know what to talk about. The tiny fragment of conversation that float's Luce's way concerns sheep. Doris is doing her best to look interested.

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