AD&D Greyhawk Adventures: The Temple of Elemental Evil

Game Master Anselth

Andre chuckles as Podo mimics a high-society fop. "There'll be no eggs thrown tonight," he says lightly. "Though plenty of ale to celebrate our victory over the Moathouse, when we return to the Welcome Wench's stoop!"

Tarmin appears in the door and looks about the finely appointed room.

"Be careful, a snake like Lareth could leave a few surprises."

"There may be secret vaults of treasure in the floor or walls too. This business smells of a highly organised force, not a rabble."

Sir Galavaine flicks through the finery and clothes, not truly caring for its gaudiness until he finds a nice black cloak. Not so weatherstained or muddy but one for the shadows and night. Even a priest of bravery must sometimes cloak his movements - something which the pragmatic Gnobby had showed him.

He rolls the cloth around his arm to stow in his backpack.

Searching the room carefully, the group finds no traps or other dangers left behind by the deceased cleric. They do, however, find a fine silver serving set sitting on a small table by the door, and very little else of value.

Salla, The biggest difference between the composite longbow and the composite shortbow is that the longbow has a range increment of 60 feet as opposed to 50. You also aren't currently proficient.

I wonder why I picked up short bow and not long bow at character creation. I think because I could not afford a long bow! Lol. Are any of the arrows magical or well made?

Pettry can study and try to figure out what the magical items do.

No, the arrows are standard stuff

"We can serve our cakes and pies on this."

Gnobby puts the silver serving set in his backpack.

I will price one of those magic bags that holds things when we get back and a cloak for Podo like mine.

"Sally, let's get back and sell our loot."

After thinking for a while:
"Maybe the nicest of us should sell our loot. The rest of us can wait at the inn and eat pies."

No, the arrows are standard stuff

Ok. That's fine, I'm nearly out anyways, about how many arrows are left please?

Should we report back at Hommlett then make plans to go to the nearest big town or city? We need to sell most of these and buy some items as well. What is the nearest large town?

"Yes". "Let's go back to Hommlet". "I'm hungry".

Podo absentmindedly at some time while they are standing around will take out the goblet and examine it, smelling it to see if any vestiges remain. He will also take out the Alabaster box, shaking it for content, and opening, after making sure it's not booby trapped.

Since Sallandrya and Tarmin are rangers, I would assume we know were the closest large towns are correct?

Not necessarily, we're rangers from Celune. We'd probably know all about towns there, but here not so much.

"I think we've achieved a great thing here, vanquished a burgeoning evil. It would serve us well to retreat to Hommlet and dwell on our successes!" Tarmin says "There are two horses outside, they will be useful in transporting this booty , as well as our prisoner."

26 arrows.

Pettry touches the magical items. "It will take me some time to figure out what these are capable of. Best not to do it here."

Tarmin how many arrows do you need?

Would the group consider going to Verbobonc? Aren't some of you agents of the church or the Viscount there? I think I read that from when I joined the group.

How do you guys feel about a field trip to Verbobonc?

After reporting to Hommlett, we can sell the gems, purchase supplies, spells for Gnobby and Pettry and minor magical items for us.

Out of character - I have always wanted to play in Verbobonc rather tan run adventures there. In character I am sure Sir Galavaine will be happy to meet with this superiors and give them a report.

"Maybe we should give some silver to Otis the piemaker at the Welcome Wench?", said the nice cleric.

"But the best place to sell these items would be Verbobonc. Mitrik and Sobanwych are further. I am not so well known in the capital of Pelor and my religion is not held in the highest esteem. Heironeous means more in my Verbobonc .....as thou knowst tis my family home."

Verbobonc seemed like a nice place to visit, or so my LG dwarven rogue from Dyvers though back in Living Greyhawk.

Andre's stomach rumbled at the thought of Ostler's meatpies. "This talk of warm food is very tempting. The Welcome Wench is our first destination, then Verbobonc beyond. The only other option for purchasing additional supplies back in Hommlet is the general store, and I'll sooner walk to Verbobonc City itself than give those fleecing merchants another of my coppers."

The group packs up what they've found, slinging the injured man over one of the horses. Day is waning as they make the long trek back to Hommlett. As the stink of the moathouse fades, the stress of the recent events also fades, and the group falls into the lighthearted banter that is so typical of those who have just faced death yet come out alive.

Soon, the forest path falls away, and Rufus and Burne's tower rises in the near distance.

Perhaps Andre and Sir Galavaine can consecrate the moat house before we leave for Hommlett.
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A mile before the arriving at the village, Sallandrya will once again go ahead of the party and hide in the shadows of the trees around the village and watch for any who may take an interest in the group's arrival.

To help visualize Tarmin and Sallandrya's archery, we now bring you their archery instructor in action.

"That would be a job for one of the Billets," Andre explains to Salla. "Father Calmert at the temple in town might be able to banish Evil's stain upon the Moathouse, but such abilities are beyond me. I could say a few prayers, if it would put your spirit at ease."

As the group arrives, they are met by a pair of guards from the tower, who take their charge in irons, presumably to the dungeon there. They are informed that Rufus and Burne are unavailable, but they should expect to be sent for in the next few days. There is actually quite a bit of interest in their return, as several townsfolk watch the unloading of the prisoner, some disappear and arrive with more. There are hushed whispers while the group makes their way towards the Inn of the Welcome Wench, but nobody approaches the group.

A mile before the arriving at the village, Sallandrya will once again go ahead of the party and hide in the shadows of the trees around the village and watch for any who may take an interest in the group's arrival.

Anselth do any of the townsfolk seem to be taking more than the usual interest, or seem to make note of the prisoner?

Andre takes note of the sudden chill the group is receiving from the townsfolk. "That's odd," he says quietly to his compatriots. "The people of Hommlet have usually been friendlier than this. Perhaps old Gundigoot will be able to enlighten us on what has caused this ill wind to blow in to the hamlet."

"Let's get our pies to eat on the road. We could be putting the town in danger."

Gnobby is wearing his cloak everywhere!

"Let us talk with Gundigoot first, Andre. This is strange." Sir Galavaine heads for the Inn and Ostler Gundigoot.

The priest explains that they need to know what is happening before heading on.

Yes, the hosteler will hopefully have an answer for this welcome." Tarmin mutter, her eyes alert for danger.

Salla, no. Though it is hard to tell just what is causing them to be interested.

As they enter the Inn, Ostler Gundigoot beams widely at them. "It would seem you are victorious, my friends." At their surprised expression, he notes, "Word travels fast. I doubt there's a resident in town who in the past half hour didn't know you were back. Since you are alive and brought a prisoner, I assume that you fared well."

Sallandrya will keep some distance from her friends, if there are spies or informants in the village or inn, they will report the group has six members and not seven.

"The warmth of thy welcome is the first since our return. People have not spoken, people have left us alone. Shouldst not our success have met with a more friendly entrance to Hommlett, friend Ostler? Even your lords Rufus and Byrne have no time for us. What else has happened? oh and may we have a large order of pies enough for Podo here with a little left over for the rest of us."

Ostler Gundigoot listens to Sir Galavaine's questions. He nods to one of the barmaids at the pie order, and she disappears into the back. He then leans in close to Sir Galavaine. "Now, I can't speak for Rufus and Burne, they can wander off at a moment's notice. Adventurers! But, as for the folk here in town..." He looks around the room. "Someone found out what you were doing. It's been some time since there have been heroes in town. I think you misread them - They are in awe."

Podo embraces the adoration of his fans, and regales anyone who will listen with embellished tales of their adventurers, and especially his role in the adventures, while gleefully stuffing himself with meat pies.

The holy priest shakes his head at the words of the innkeeper and rubs his eyes, to release some of the tension.

"I need to rest." He mumbles, carelessly handing over some money for the food and enough extra for a room.

"Well done everyone. Podo is busy. I am tired, but will be ready to travel on later or tomorrow. Sorry Gnobby, our journey must wait a while."

Sir Galavaine sweeps up his muddy white cloak and leaves the group for now.

Gnobby looks more relieved to find out they are heroes.
"How much are pies for heroes? Especially if we buy them in groups of ten?"

This will make my case that I am rehabilitated stronger. I wonder if I can sell the shopkeeper more 'good stuff'? No, that may be pushing things too far.

Gnobby replies to the cleric: "We need to inspire our followers and the town. Then we can head to the big city and sell our goods. We probably don't want to deal with the local shop, the margin they were charging was pretty steep. We have much to sell, and I want to see if they have elven boots to go with my cloak. I want to be as elven as accoutrements will allow."

Andre chuckles to himself. "I should be scolded for believing the worst in the good people of Hommlet! But I would not wish them to feel like I am unapproachable." He reaches for his coinpurse, handing over a small sum of money to Ostler. "A room for myself, friend, and a hot meal. It's been a few days since we've had the chance for one. Finally, I'll be buying the drinks tonight. For everyone. Spread the word, and let the people come celebrate an end to the brigandry that has plagued your town!"

Sallandrya, hiding in the shadows finds a tall tree and climbs it.

She will give solemn thanks to the Great Hunter for a successful hunt and her return 'home.'

She will also thank him for his grace in keeping her friends safe from the dark forces they had to overcome.

She will eat a light fare from her rations and drink spring water form her water skin and watch the folk of the village go about their business.

As early evening turns to night and people go to their homes, she will keep watch on the village, but also stare wistfully upwards and look at the many stars in the night sky.

A few hours before the dawn, sitting cross legged atop the tree, she will enter in a state of Elven Reverie and dream of her real Home.

On holiday now for a week, half term, parents over and flying to Britain for next weekend. Posting will be very spotty until I get back. Cheers

Galavaine is snoring lightly soon after the drinks start flowing downstairs.

Gnobby is eating pies and feeling quite content for the first time in a long time.

Rather than compete with Podo at eating pies, which he knows is hopeless. Gnobby makes a grand show of counting the number of pies he brings to the table, loudly pronouncing one, two, three and so on.

With the aid of his new cloak and a pack, he manages to sneak every other pie he brings to the table into his backpack for later.

I can win the sneaking pies game.

It appears Gnobby is outdoing the master as he starts on pie number twenty one at the start of the second hour.

On holiday now for a week, half term, parents over and flying to Britain for next weekend. Posting will be very spotty until I get back. Cheers

Would you be willing to travel with us to Verbobonc for a few days? Er, your from there.

Sir Galavaine finds his room, stumbles in, strips off his armor, and falls asleep almost instantly.

The crowd is such that Sallandrya can't discern anyone paying particular attention to the group.

The rest enjoy Ostler Gundigoot's hospitality. Eventually, several townsfolk join the group, clapping Andre on the back, buying rounds for Podo and Gnobby, flirting with any who will pay them attention, and generally making themselves an adoring nuisance. Pettry blushes and excuses himself early, making his way upstairs to escape the crowd.

Tarmin is bemused by Gundigoot's explanation Awe? We merely do what our conscience and abilities grant us the ability to do.

However, she joins in the festive main room in her own reserved manner, accepting the shy offers of drinks and food, greeting any attempts at flirtation with a level look that leaves the man stuttering and apologizing. She laughs out loud at both Podo and Gnobby's antics and eventually follows Galavaine's example and retreats to her room.

Podo drunk with all the adoration passing in his direction...as well as all the ale he's washing down pies with frowns as Gnobby seems to be putting down more pies than he. This has never happened...adventuring must be bad for you.

At the mention of going to Verbobonc, he pales a bit..."Well we can't all go there and leave our stuff unattended". "I'll be glad to volunteer to stay here and keep an eye on our stuff, as well as protect the town.

I've decided that Verbobonc is the perfect city for Podo to have left in "haste".

Hm, didn't realize my last post didn't catch.

Eventually the furor in the common room dies out as the townsfolk wander off, leaving the group to themselves. Gnobby somehow has managed to drive his pie count above Podo's, to everyone's amusement. Finally, the rest turn in, drained from the ordeal in the moathouse, but feeling invigorated after spending time with the people of the town, who seem not to view them as outsiders anymore.

With a full night of uniterupted rest, the day breaks clear and sunny, with the smell of fresh bread wafting up from the common room.

"I'll see if I can get you some elven gear, Podo. You may be able to parlay your new celebrity status into some free stuff." Gnobby says hopefully.

He turns to the others: "We ready to go...after breakfast, of course."

Sallandrya ends her Elven Reverie with the coming of the dawn, there is a slight but sad smile on her face, for she misses Home.

She prays to the Great Hunter, the forest priest asks that he continues to watch over her and keep both her aim and path true.

From her tree perch she awaits signs of her friends.

While carousing with the townsfolk, Gnobby organizes a parade for early the following morning. He calls it a Doo Dah Parade and it is a spontaneous parade. He organizes a group of townspeople to eat pies in formation to a cadence. 'The Pie Eating Drill Team'

He visits Rufus and Burne and invites Burne to be the first grand marshal of the Doo Dah Parade.

Pettry supresses a chuckle as a couple of children join in with Gnobby. He sits down on the stairs of the Inn watching the festivities, taking in the early morning sun. Burne declines Gnobby's invitation with a confused smile, by the Sergeant of the guard volunteers, asking "And what duties does this most important position entail?"

:)

Gnobby makes the sergeant vice marshal and Andre grand marshal.

"You two wear your uniforms, hand out free pies, smile, and wave."

Gnobby produces day old pies and uniforms made out of cleaning supplies--brooms, buckets and dusters.

Andre listens to Gnobby's plan for the parade, and examines the baton and regalia presented to him. "Who would have thought? We survived our assault upon the Moathouse, only for my dignity to die here in Hommlet," he deadpans, his face stoic for as long as he can manage.

Then he snorts, smirks and winks to Gnobby, accepting the mop and smock with a broad grin. "This shall be an honor I shall not soon forget, I believe."

Sallandrya eagerly pulls out her iPhone of Precious Moments and Motion Capture.