GM..Kashka's Emerald Spire Campaign

Game Master Andrew Torgerud

Yon keeps quiet, he feels Aggriver's joy at resolving the fight without fatalities, but shares no joy. He leads back through the floor, looking for anything shiny that may have been missed, and remains silent as they return to the fort.

Except for saying, "The spire is a blight by magics that despoil, and so far filled mostly with vile experiments. Let it not twist us!"

Robin goes over to Yon, and says, "Can't disagree. At least we came out of that ok. That crocodile trick was cool."

Noting the way down, he says, "Going to be tough going to get back. That water pressure's pretty rough. Maybe if we tie of some ropes it will help?"

Robin does not look pleased by the likelihood of having to go through this water again. "Janira, have you seen any way of shutting those portals off? Gonna be rough coming back down here if the water is still running so hard. We don't have the rune for 6, do we?"

"We do know the rune for 6. but we only have 3 transport tokens now. With the two wolves, there's 7 bodies to transport.

I don't know any way to shut off the portals. there's so many - i doubt its possible."

"Guess we'll need to tie off ropes, then. That should help us get down here."

The team starts tying off ropes and makes their way back to the hatches. They are able to tie the rope off to the ladder and climb up into the barracks room. They find the way easy enough with the doors open.

The party returns to the wolves and departs for Fort Inevitable. Vala takes a moment to draw a map of GodHome and the drowned level.

"That was one crazy level! those portals were amazing - the Society will want to send a more equipped wizard to research those!"

Janira hums a tune through the Echo Wood, without a care in the world.

Before departing, Agriver loosens the straps on his greaves to make travel a bit easier, and removes his pauldrons so his shoulders can stretch. Strapping the loose armor to his pack he squints up through the canopy of trees at the sun as it peaks thru the branches.

”Yon you must feel better being out here, you too Robin. So much time underwater and underground likely makes this just what you needed? Did the wolves need to hunt?”

Glancing back at Janira he remarks to her comment. ”I have never traveled with a wizard, I hear they are peculiar folk. Some have dealings with devils and dark forces. Given the mentality of the hell knights, my hopes would be we could avoid one of those types. Though a healer would be a welcome addition as well. The graces of Iomadae have been kind, but my limited divine power may not serve us as the perils grow more dire.”

Looking back to the party druid. ”Can Hanspur lend us his aid in that regard? I will requisition another healing wand from Abernard. But do you know more powerful healing?

Reflecting inwardly he muses

It would be nice to vanquish some evil on the next floor. My blade thirsts for some fiends. But for now the only thing I want to vanquish is some spiced potatos and farm fresh eggs. I am starving.. getting beat to near death brings out my appetite.”

Holding his hand to shield his eyes as they move through a clearing he continues his reflection.

I wonder how my brothers are doing. I miss my family.

As the team makes their way back to the landing, the two wolves pace, not knowing if their humans will come back alive. As they come out of the water, the she-wolf's instincts are to leap forward and welcome her human like she would a cub that has wandered off, but she catches herself at the last moment.

'Leave me to worry about you? That will not happen again, man-cub' she glares at Robin, who instantly shrinks a bit at her onslaught.

"Sorry, Ayame," says Robin, as he kneels down in front of her. "I was only trying to protect you." The look she returns gives him the feeling that she thinks her job is to protect him.

Later, outside
"Yeah." Robin replies to Agriver. "Hanspur ain't really the healing type, you know. He's more the ... well, we won't go into that now."

"The wolves fed this morning, but if you have ever heard the ballad 'As Hungry as a Wolf" you know they would hunt and eat again." says Yon, giving a mirthful lesson about nature.

"The water? I don't mind it. The Drowned One provides, if capriciously. But the dry calculating experiments against the natural ways are vile! Something we have seen on several levels. From undead, and forced mutations; to the tiny tanks for sea beasts we just saw. It's no wonder the land surrounding the tower is dead."

The party's return to Fort Inevitable is quiet and almost relaxing.

Upon arrival, they pass by the familiar Hellknights guarding the Mosswater Gate. The town markets are busy and the Hellknight patrols appear at ease.

The group find themselves at Abernard's door, and are surprised to find he has company. Inside the livingroom are two men - a familiar looking Elf, and a dwarf seated next to him.

"Master Shaine! What a stupendous surpirse!" Janira giddily runs into the room, dropping a couple bags before giving a big hug to the Master of Scrolls.

"Janira - it's been too long my dear. How's the exploration of ancient Azlant going? the Emerald Spire reports have been quite fascinating to read! The latest batch are being incorporated into some of Master Farabellus's lessons!"

"But we have time enough for that later. Janira Gavix, your assignment here is officially over. Your service here has been exemplary, but we require you in Absalom for another mission. In the mean time, Agriver, Robin, Yon, Vala, let me introduce your new scholar, Ansel."

Janira's smile quickly turns sour, but she remains quiet as she steps out of the way...

The oddly thin and slouching dwarf stands when the doors opens, out of habit he half rests on the warhammer that never leaves his side. When Janira runs up and hugs the Master of Scrolls, Ansel opens up ready to receive a hug as well from the excited halfling. He quickly tries to hide the confused move by combing his calused hand through his blonde beard and fidgeting with the warhammer's handle. Ansel looks back up to catch her soured mood.

'Damn women, who gets'em..'

"Hey." Is all he says to the group that has just returned from the field. After a moment when eyes still haven't left him, Ansel feels compelled to say something else.

Adjusting his dirty glasses a bit he stammers on, "Um, Ansel Meadsodden. 'Said you needed an academic for the record keeping, artifact collecting, historical deciphering, 'n such. Expert sculptor, been in stonework m'whole life. Arcane carving is m'specialty... And, uh, no, I'm only distantly related to the Meadsodden Brewery.. No free ale."

He looks the group over with a deadpan face. 'Must be rough down there..'

Vala keeps to herself most of the walk back to the Fort.

As the party approaches town a look of disapproval washes over her face at the direction they are headed. "Reporting already? .. was hoping for some quiet first.."

She leans against the door watching and waiting for reports to be completed.

At Ansel's introduction Vala gives a polite nod. "Welcome"

"Reminds me of Roland - wonder if he's handy at the forge?" Vala ponders, eager to return there herself.

Agriver looks over the scene with a tired look on his face. Many of the recent beatings still evident on his armor in the forms of dents and punctures. Upon hearing that Janira is leaving the party he drops to a knee and gives her a hug.

”You have been great Janira. There must be something truly grand for the master of scrolls to pull you from our sacred duty. For someone to have that level of respect for your trade is no minor thing. Thank you for helping us my friend, you are of course welcome at our table tonight. I would consider it an honor if you would allow me to pay for your drink and food.”

Standing and addressing Venture Captain Shaine he continues. ”Please take care of her, she is a good friend.”

Moving to regard the dwarf the paladin comments - ”Hello there Ansel. My name is Agriver of the merchant house Rall, and paladin of Iomadae. What is your trade sir? Would you like to join us for our evening meal?”

Glancing at Abernard – ”I will happily give you the report once I drop my armor at the smith. It has many repairs that need to be started.”

Ansel nods, his voice more alert than his expression. "Food?! Ahem, uh yes, I just skimmed the reports so it'd be good to hear of what ya been up against. All of m'research into the Azlanti solidifies a personal theory that they're a bunch of a%#~*&&s with otherworldly talent in stone working. As to m'specific niche, that's batholithic transmutation carving. Altering things and lots of explosions. Spent four years on m'thesis, carving a mountain face to be identical to another across the valley. Dumb local bastards didn't even see the difference..." The dwarf fades into grumpy rumination.

"Ahem, but pleasure to meet ya Agriver, and all ya, ma'am. Pleasure to be on this research project."

"If you like rocks, you're gonna love the green crystal that is the spire. Maybe you can tell us why these even work." Yon says, handing over a spire token, "if you've read the reports I'm sure you know what it is... I'm Yon."

"Food... yeah." mumbles Robin, curiously lacking a she-wolf at the moment. "No ale... well, you could have been of use... so what is it that you do, dwarf?

"I am Robin L'il, and this is my brother, Yon. We've both got wolves that travel with us as well. I shoot a bow better than anyone you've seen, and can swing a blade pretty good, too. We're still trying to figure out what Yon does, other than hide behind Rboud." he says, as he slugs his brother in the shoulder.

"Ima gonna need a couple of days to get some stuff done. New armor, get my blade enchanted, the like. Thinkin' about gettin' a new belt, too. One that boost my agility and such. Would like one that boost my strength, too, but my bow won't handle a stronger pull right now."

Robin thinks a bit more... "Hey, Dwarf... I mean Ansel... yeah. Can you say you can alter things, and make things blow up. Can you cast spells that can protect our wolves. Some sort of magical armor, or something? I'll pick up another pearl of power so that when you cast it on yourself, you can cast it on Ayame, if you don't mind. Oh, just be careful around her. She doesn't like being treated like a dog. She's a wolf, which is far superior than the domesticated canines that humans usually have following them around. Just a friendly warning"

Ansel nods and grunts at further introductions. As Yon hands him the token he inspects it and asks, "Hmpf, maybe I can. The reports also spoke of runes being needed to operate the transport, I'd like to study those as well once there's time. No rush. Spire ain't going nowhere."

Ansel continues to look over the token as he answers Robin, "Magic, thinking, I sit pretty well too. Never been good with pups personally but no qualms against beasts in general. Adaptive is what you want, remember reading about it." Ansel references the man's bow casually. "Yeah, I can cast some protection spells. Have a wand of it actually, but whatever you think's fair. You spoke of agility, know some spells that can boost you there as well. Speed up our actions. Sharpen Agriver's and Vala's blades, etc."

"Well, if you are offering use of your wand, that would be right kindly of you, sir. I can save some cash on the pearl for later, though I may still pick one up. Thinkin' about funding another expedition, too. Like the one that found this hear falchion."

”Are you a wizard or sorcerer? You speak of magic’s I have never heard of. Quite fascinating – we have really only seen bardic spells in our quest. If you are of this type… I have heard that many dabble in the profane. Do you? I must admit my understanding of the arcane is mainly stories my father told my brothers and I before we went to bed.”

Realizing we are all ignoring Abernard in his home, Agriver motions for the group outside.
Before finally stepping out he nods at Abernard and indicates he will return with details soon.
”Let’s meet up for a meal in about an hour at the Helmed Lady. We can continue our discussion and get our new dwarven friend up to speed on our journey thus far.”

"Wizard, and I don't do that kinky s@#~. Try to stay out of people's minds and graves. That works for me, I was hoping to get a debrief from Ms. Gavix."

Janira's ears perk up and her usual smile returns.
"Yes of course - there is so much to talk about! Those crazy crabs! And the Bunyip... and wait oh... we first had to help the Troglodytes... but... wait...
Vala... Robin... what exactly happened when you guys ran off?"

"We figured out how the godbox works." Vala pauses a moment to consider. "Well. Not actually. We did figure out how to turn it off and then back on again though."

Janira rolls her eyes. "Comon you two - spill the beans. Gotta report accurate information after all!"

Kreighton Shaine and Abernard excuse themselves for a cup of tea as they chatter about some magic business.

"We did our jobs. We scouted." grumbles Robin, glaring at Agriver as if tempting him to ask more.

"Nobody died, and our purpose is divine. Our course is just, and while the method you two employed... whatever it may have been - may not be one that I would do. That time has passed. Iomadae has placed all of us together - as we are."

Agriver remarks to meet the rangers comment.

"Besides, you are my friends - would it not be better to drink a toast to our success? And to welcome our new ally to the fold?"

The paladin slaps the dwarf on the back, causing him to stumble forward slightly.

"I have no qualms in speaking what we did." Vala states honestly. "It was quite ingenious actually, if I do say so myself."

"I just figured we'd wait until washed up at least..." Vala looks down at her crusty clothes, caked with dirt having sun-dried while they walked from the spire in their soaking wet clothes.

"Maybe even some food in my belly and an ale in my hand? A bard should be able to appreciate the proper setting for a tale, eh?"

Janira smiled and packed up her stuff. "bath and a hot meal would be nice. "

The party heads to the inn to clean up, and meet at the Helmed Lady for dinner.

Ansel heads straight to the Helmed Lady. He gets a table out of the way and sits drinking lazily, using Mage Hand to bring the cup to his lips. The warhammer sits head on the floor with the handle sticking up between his chair and the table. After some time passes Ansel produces his journal and makes some sketches of potential sculpts as he waits.

On the way to the helmed lady Agriver makes a quick stop at the smithy to drop off his full plate for repairs. Sighing in relief as he wearily removes the claps, he revels in the relief of weight as he changes into his tunic and trousers.

"Terribly sorry for the condition and abuse I bring this back to you in my friend. The steel has been tested and found wanting. Can you repair it and strengthen it's enchantments?"

After working out the financials the paldin makes his way to the inn and secures the parties lodging.

After a soak in the tub and and a quick grooming, he decends the stairs to order his mulled wine and take a chair near the parties new artificer.

"Iomadae's grace to you Ancel. May I buy you a meal? Tell me of your travels? I know very little of dwarves, and even less of wizardry."

Missing from the meal is Robin. On a whim, or perhaps for another reason, instead of cleaning up, he has gone out to hunt, calling Ayame to help. Their hunt is quick, and successful, with the two finding a rabbit warren. With Ayame sniffing out the back entrances, and Robin breaking through the main one the two are able to bring down five rather fat looking rabbits. Robin lets Ayame have two, while he takes the best three to his lady-friend, for dinner. Not completely unwise to the ways of women, he does take time to bath in the river before arriving at her house.

day one - Robin
Ilyana Stonde greets Robin fondly, while the children rush up to Ayame with joyful giggles.

Ilyana will thank him kindly for the rabbits, and begin dressing them for a stew - which Robin is required to stay for.

Day One - Agriver
Rillin Nadinghad looks disturbed at the beating the Plate mail took. "Repairs will be doable. I'll send for the wizard immediately to begint he magics tomorrow. I don't know how much more he can add before you will need to head to Daggermark for more powerful enhancements."
Juliver's Arm is the inn. Helmed Lady is the party's tavern of choice

Day One - Helmed Lady
Ansel is greeted and entertained by the tavern's proprietor- Kagnin Alemaster. An older dwarven lady who holds herself well, and loves to tell stories of her sons' adventuring.

Abernard shows up to dinner with a small parchment. "Master Shaine and Janira apologize, but they will not be attending this evening. Their presence was required in Absalom immediately. She wished to express her fondest apologies, and looks forward to your next adventure."

"And stay, I shall, milady" says Robin, with a deep bow. "I have to run a quick errand, but I shall be back." he says, as he recalls he has not placed his order yet for the things he needs.

He thinks again, and continues, "Unless, of course, Davon is up for an adventure? I need you to run a note to the armorer in town, and possibly to Master Abernard, if Master Nadinghad cannot help he. Ayame will accompany you, of course!"

He writes out a quick note describing his needs for the mithral breastplate with its enchantment, stating that he will be drawing upon his accounts with Master Abernard.

"Though it was rough, we did manage to pull a fast one over the stinky trots we found down here..."

Ansel nods and closes his journal, stowing the pen and ink as he mumbles, "Oh, why not, I'll buy the ale. Travel was remarkably event-less. Such is teleportation though I'm afraid." As Abernard joins them with his news Ansel eyes the parchment. "Not surprising, all m'experience with Master Shaine has been about the same. 'Welcome and I must be going.' Did they leave any? Reports or such?"

Abernard smirks "Here is Janira's summary of the latest expedition. I'm sure you can get details filled in by your team."

Yon and Rbuod clean up. They join the party at the Helmed Lady.
They sit and drink in silence, well mostly silence. Rbuod' slapping at his bowl of water is rather loud.
Yon's mind wanders along the adventures faced this far.

The fowl despoilings. The unnatural changes and conditions. The ancients must not have intended such debasement around their structures. The spires design implies unity of vision, with what can be made possible by the land, and the rock. But is it is like a lightning rod for evil purposes. Twisting natural without understanding. "

Yon's hand holds steady to Rbuods flank. He keeps contemplating with a scowl, and "sipping" his drinks in long meditative quaffs.

Day 2

Agriver will wake in the morning and head toward to Temple of Silence to spend some time in prayer. Pushing the heavy non-descript doors open, his soft leather boots pad their way toward the middle of the temple where he finds a preferred quiet place. There he settles into his reverie.

Iomadae – I thank you for the shield you have granted over my friends. The spire has not had the dark hearts I have thought it may. Many of the creatures we have encountered have not been fouled by the corruptions of darkness. Thus far we have faced a handful of the undead – to which I have committed their spirits to the Lady of Graves. It is refreshing really – to see that the structure thus far is not besieged by fiends and infernal. Perhaps what we will find can be reasoned with, maybe this quest need not ultimately end in violence. Then again, perhaps the further we go into that cursed place – the starker the profane presence will become. I will be vigilant – I will be strong – and I will be your shield of mercy for my companions. In your name – Amen.

Rising from his trance, the paladin approaches Father Faldindor and nods solemnly at him. Pulling the mediation crystal of Pharasma from his pack he places it in the priests hand.

”The Lady of Graves gave her blessing to me when we were in dire need. I thank you for your kindness Dimeru. Did the request for four Iomadaen crystals meet with success?”

While waiting for the cleric to answer Agriver pulls out one hundred gold coins in tithe toward the poor of Fort Inevitable and places them in the offering box.

Day 1

Vala cleans up and heads over to the Helmed Lady. She looks disappointed when Abernard mentions Janira's departure. "Well. Stories not nearly as interesting without ears to listen. Oh well." Vala turns to Ansel. "You'll do the writing, right?" Vala asks, not interested in writing it up herself. "Might as well at least have it recorded."

Without really waiting for an answer Vala continues. She'll stop and answer questions if anyone has any - whoever from the party might be there listening she doesn't care.

"Robin and I went ahead of the group to the tower to 'scout'. We teleported down to Godhome when we knew the trog's would be sleeping (when we left they were sleeping so I made note of the time and planned our return around when we knew they'd be out). We never had any intention of harming them - I just wanted to know how that device worked. The magnet. And maybe get our stuff back. Well. We did that, pretty much. We scouted the place out. All sneaky like. No one noticed our presence. Made it to the device, checked it out. Wearing no metal gear of course - left all that with Yon before entering the place. Anyways, on the device we saw that there were slits, rectangular slits. I thought to the copper doors and decided to try to see if one fit inside. And it did. No coincidence there were as many slits as there were copper doors in the place. Before getting the last one all set we tied a rope to the important gear. The stuff that looked valuable - and the stuff that was ours to begin with. That a way when it all fell we could grab it and go - quick. The last door was a little tricky. The one by the stairs down. Had reason to suspect there would be a guard on it - since there was when we came the first time. So. Dressed like a bandit from the floor above - so he'd think they did it - or at least not recognize us. Covered face and such. Robin and I. Robin got his attention and I knocked him out. Poor guy. Eh. No lasting damage. Got the door, put it in. Stuff released from the magnet. Grabbed it and went. Made it back to the rest of the group. Had them do the talking to the trogs. Ha. Then ended up fixing their device in the end. Their Godbox. I was curious if taking the doors out would 'fix' it again. And it did.

Vala pauses, musing a moment. "Still wonder why its there. How it really works. Seems to have powered the lights at least somehow - all went dark when we turned it off - I wonder if that affected more of the tower than just that floor?... Bothers me - not knowing."

Day 2:
Waking early, as always, Robin takes the time to go to go to the Stonde's henhouse, and collect their fresh eggs. He leaves the basket with the eggs on the front door step, considers keeping a couple for himself, and then decides that he'd rather not. He quickly goes and collects a few seasonal wildflowers, and lays them on top of the eggs, before calling Ayame, and heading into town.

He makes his way to the Helmed Lady, to grab breakfast with his team. He sighs heavily when he sees the bowl of porridge that is given to him, severely lacking in fresh eggs. Figuring that he'll be able to supplement this meal, later, he eats what he is given, before setting out to do his errands.

"We gonna take a few days, are we?" he asks. "Ansel, I'd appreciate it if you could help me get my bow enchanted with that adaptive quality you was talkin' about. You weren't pulling the wool over the eyes of a country bumpkin, now, were you?" He gives a wink to Yon, as he takes on the drawl he used when he first met Agriver and Spanky.

'Where did that damned elf get of to, anyway? He was pretty useful there, at times. And less talkative than Janira, for sure. Man, that little woman can talk!'

Yon chimes in with his equally offensive drawl, "ye sure best n'ah'been." he then turns back to Robin, "Wha'd'ya say we tour 'im round town. Show'im the best waterin holes n make our way t' the magishop. Wanna get a'noher pearl."

Letting the other two lead the way, Yon takes the the back of the line to let Ansel see in front as they walk around town.

Ansel writes down Vala's story and only asks if he would be able to see the device. He figured with trogs that there wouldn't be much of a chance, but he wantes to try. He also asks of anyone has a piece of the spire itself for him to study. 'Maybe it's like noqual..' and the dwarf starts to envision pale green golems aiding him, losing focus of most of the nights conversation.

Day 2
The next morning he's not surprised when Robin and Yon find him by breakfast. His experience with woodland people are that they often know more about where he is than he even does. Ansel is resolved to not let it irritate him anymore though, they seldom can see what he does within the rocks.
"It'd be m'pleasure, and I'm in sore need to get m'bearings here. If there are any craftshops I would like to be introduced there as well. Do you know if there are active quarries near? With a ruin like the Spire it may be worth some further exploratory mining."
Ansel eats the average mush but has it rolled up in an odd thin sheet of pan fried flour, using it to make a pocket or edible container that can easily be held with a single hand.

Day 2, Ansel, Vala, Robin & Yon

Vala, Robin and Yon give Ansel a tour of the Fort. They start out from Juliver's Arms 13 to the Gate Market place to start 11.

Ansel finds the nearby Zoldor's Masonry 12 more appealing quickly. The old human Zoldor Maril is hard at work overseeing his 8 slaves chiseling a very large stone statue into the shape of a hellknight.

The pass by the Clothier 17 on their way towards the Nolm Bindery 22. Falandra Nolm is the owner and she is a young wizard with some potential by Ansel's eye.

Accross the street Vala points out the Stalwart Priory 23, and the party stops in to the Alchemist Sefurd's 24