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The invitation to dinner at Lionlodge was addressed to all four of you, sealed with wax bearing the impression of a man riding what appears to be a dragon. The letter cited your recent accomplishments in the Korvosan hinterlands and hinted at a new “job” that would be uniquely appropriate to your group’s skills. An advance payment of sixty gold pieces accompanied the invitation, signed by a man named Auldegrund Grimcarver. He promised to fill you in with more details after a nice meal, and even if the job offer didn’t interest you, he promises another payment of sixty gold pieces for your time. Lionlodge is extremely remote, located deep within the Mindspin Mountains, but if nothing else, the trip should give you a chance to relax before your next adventure begins! And so, you’ve spent the last few days heading into the mountains. The sun will set soon, but Lionlodge has just come into view around a bend in the road—hopefully dinner lives up to the anticipation!
The figure on the seal of a man riding a dragon looks weirdly similar to the religious symbol of an obscure infernal duke named Alocer. Of course, the resemblance could be coincidence, as Alocer has a lion’s head, whereas the man in the wax seal symbol had a human head—albeit one with a healthy head of hair and a full beard. Could be worth asking your host about if the subject comes up, perhaps.
Takemiryu, a muscular, fox-like humanoid with red and white fur and bright blue eyes scouts slightly ahead of the group and is the first to see the Lionlodge up ahead. "Finally!" He calls back to the others. "I see the hunting lodge up ahead. Looks like we'll be warm and sated before too much longer. As much as I enjoy roughing it in the wilderness, I wouldn't say no to a couple of nights in a comfortable bed."
His three long fox tails curl up behind him; red-furred except where they lighten to white at the tips. The middle tail occasionally emits little wisps of smoke as if it were on the verge of catching fire. In his hand he holds a three-tined trident which he uses as a hiking staff as he works his way through the mountains. At his waist, tucked into his belt, is a sai; a strange looking metal spike flanked by a pair of prongs that can be used to trap an enemy’s weapon.
"These hunting lodges are used as bases at which groups of hunters gather before and after a hunt. I wonder what this promised job is about. Maybe we're here to act as a support team for a hunt or something." He looks back at the cozy looking lodge in the distance. "Oh well. I guess we'll find out soon enough. Let's keep moving." Once again, Takemiryu takes point and leads them to the lodge.
Sticking to the edge of the path, often in the shadows, Zerryd makes his way with the group toward their destination. A tall, well-built Strix, with large beautiful blue wings folded behind him, is looking forward to the dinner at Lionlodge. "These Mindspin Mountains are fascinating, aren't they? Nothing at all like Western Cheliax." As he hikes, ready for anything, the rogue has his rapier drawn and by his side.
When Takemiryu announces the lodge is within range, Zerryd gets renewed energy and tries to keep up with the ranger.
Jaithe says nothing, keeping to herself as she makes her way to the hunting lodge with the group. She whispers, but not loud enough for the others to hear. She wonders what this "job" might be, though she's also curious as to why such a varied group was selected.
Kellsti approaches the lodge, grateful for a rest at the end of the day.
She fingers the invitation. It is not often that kobolds receive invitations to dinner, especially remote dinners. Still, the symbol interested her, the dragon especially.
"What do you think of the symbol? Its' almost an infernal duke." she comments waving about the invitations envelope.
Takemiryu hadn't noticed the symbol on the seal when he'd cracked open his invitation, but now that Kellsti had pointed it out, he was intrigued. "An infernal duke, you say? You mean like a devil? Like the ones they mess around with in Cheliax? Huh! Well, that's not a good omen now, is it?" The thought that they were being hired for a job in the middle of nowhere by a bunch of devil-worshipping hunters was not a comfortable one. They would definitely have to keep on their toes once they reached the lodge.
"I just note there is a similarity there. But just as all humans look pretty much alike to me, it maybe that diabolic symbols and stylized heads look all too similar."
Takemiryu nods knowlingly. "I know what you mean. Humans all look pretty similar to me too, same with kobolds by the way, but to a lesser extent. I suspect that humans would have trouble picking me out of a bipedal fox lineup as well. Such is the state of inter-species relations. Still, I don't like the smell of this whole setup we're walking into, so let's keep our eyes peeled and our ears to the ground, figuratively speaking that is."
Lionlodge is a squat stone bunker built against the cliffside, its twelve-foot-high walls rising at a steep, not quite vertical angle to a flat roof above. Carvings on the walls depict armored warriors riding dragons engaged in battle with ferocious beasts that are clearly terrorizing various humanoid bystanders. A large carving of a mountain lion, positioned as if it were in mid-pounce over the lodge’s front doors, remains particularly artistic in its representation.
As the PCs draw close to the lodge, the front door opens and a pair of serious-looking dwarf men (who appear to be twin brothers) step out to greet them. One of the brothers says, “You’re just in time for dinner—I hope the trip up the mountainside wasn’t too strenuous?”
"Look... you can see how the carvings have been altered..." points out the kobold.
"Dragons and people working together. This is a good sign."
He smiles at the appearances of the dwarves.
"Dinner time is always a good time. And the mountain air just gives an appetite!"
He approaches the two with a friendly smile. Of course a kobolds smile is a tad toothy for some.
"Dinner sounds fabulous," Jaithe says, though as she starts speaking, her lower jaw bifurcates, most likely drawing stares from the two dwarves. Her smile is friendly, though a bit unusual. She is accustomed to receiving stares though.
As the group approaches Lionlodge, Zerryd continues to remain wary. Especially when Takemiryu talks about infernal dukes and bad omens. The strix decides it's best to stay in the shadows when they're greeted by the twin dwarfs.
Takemiryu hadn't really registered the carvings until Kellsti pointed them out. "Huh! So we may have dragons and lions to deal with as well as devils, eh? I'm beginning to get a really bad feeling about this."
When the serious dwarven brothers greet them and offer them dinner, Takemiryu starts salivating. "That sounds like an excellent idea. Lead the way."
He turns and whispers to Kellsti. "I guess we can add dwarves to the list as well, eh? These two look kinda the same to me."
Kellsti offers a definite nod. "Best keep both in sight incase they try to trick us by changing places!" he smiles.
The dwarven twins allow the PC's to pass and close the door behind them.
This large stone dining hall has a twenty-five-foot long wooden table in its center, surrounded by high-backed chairs. Shelves along the walls display all sorts of small taxidermic animal trophies, while larger mounted beasts (two standing bears to the east, a large wolf to the southeast, and some heads of elk and other mountain animals) have been placed along the walls. The most impressive feature in the room stands in the northwest, where a massive stone dragon doubles as an ornate fireplace, giving the room a pleasant warmth. Several stone doors have been placed in the walls to the north and south.
Please sit. We will eat shortly." The two dwarves seat themselves, one on either side of the table.
Soon after the PCs sit, another dwarf steps into the room from the southwestern door and greets them eagerly before having a seat himself at the head of the table. "Thank you for answering my invitations. I am Auldegrund Grimcarver. The Great Hunt shall take place tomorrow. I have prepared rooms for you all tonight"
"Before we eat, let us learn more about you." He claps his hands, "Dorlivin, take your brother and gather us some drinks and finger foods."
The twin brothers disappear through the Northern door and moments later, come back with pitchers of ale and platters of savory pastries.
Kellsti takes a seat closest to the stone dragon. Visibly enjoying the cleaver way heat comes from it she relaxes as food comes out. "Why, these look good enough to eat!" she says to Auldegrund.
"Interesting name Grimcarver. Did you help with the dragon? It is quite the work." she notes.
Leaning in closer to the heat she examines the sculpture in detail. "The way the artist captured the scales was brilliant!" she continues to enthuse.
"What is it that you were planning on hunting tomorrow?"
Zerryd emerges from the shadows to join the others inside the lodge. He nods to the twins in greeting, as he enters. He takes a seat next to our host.
Turning to Auldegrund Grimcarver, the large blue-skinned strix says, "Growing up in Old Korvosa, I pride myself on Korvosan Lore, but I can't seem to place the name Grimcarver. Do you hail from somewhere else?" He smiles congenially.
Wanting to impress his host, Zerryd continues, "A hunt you say? I've been part of several hunts over the years." He has never participated in a hunt. "It was glorious. There was this white stag that had been terrorizing a local farming community. It was a shame to kill such a unique creature. But, alas, it had to be done." Zerryd has never seen a white stag. "I understand it made an impressive display when mounted. Like these." He lets out a whistle as he scans the beasts hung on the Lionlodge walls.
Jaithe pulls out her harrow deck and offers to tell fortunes.
"Looks like there is some great adventure in your future," she intones in a theatrical voice, "the fates appear to have smiled upon you."
When Kellsti asks Auldegrund what it is that they were planning to hunt tomorrow, Takemiryu speaks up. "Yes, I would be interested to know that as well. I assume that you've asked us here to participate in some way in this Great Hunt of yours, perhaps in an advisory capacity. When I worked as a mercenary protecting caravans through the Forest of Spirits we came across a great number and variety of creatures intent on doing us harm. Depending on the creature and its abilities, we would need to use different strategies and tactics to defeat them. So if you have some idea of what you'll be facing tomorrow, then we'll be better able to prepare for such eventualities."
"Interesting name Grimcarver. Did you help with the dragon? It is quite the work." she notes.
The dwarf at the head of the table looks over at the dragon. "Ah yes splendid indeed. I had some input, but did not do much of the work"
"What is it that you were planning on hunting tomorrow?"
"We will discuss that more in the morning." Grimcarver says rather dismissively.
Wanting to impress his host, Zerryd continues, "A hunt you say? I've been part of several hunts over the years." He has never participated in a hunt. "It was glorious. There was this white stag that had been terrorizing a local farming community. It was a shame to kill such a unique creature. But, alas, it had to be done." Zerryd has never seen a white stag. "I understand it made an impressive display when mounted. Like these." He lets out a whistle as he scans the beasts hung on the Lionlodge walls.
"Yes each one of these trophies comes with impressive stories. Maybe one day we shall set out for a white stag for our own."
"Looks like there is some great adventure in your future," she intones in a theatrical voice, "the fates appear to have smiled upon you."
He smirks and chuckles in between bites of meat pie. "I'm not one for parlor tricks, but I do like the outcome of this one"
"Yes, I would be interested to know that as well. I assume that you've asked us here to participate in some way in this Great Hunt of yours, perhaps in an advisory capacity. When I worked as a mercenary protecting caravans through the Forest of Spirits we came across a great number and variety of creatures intent on doing us harm. Depending on the creature and its abilities, we would need to use different strategies and tactics to defeat them. So if you have some idea of what you'll be facing tomorrow, then we'll be better able to prepare for such eventualities."
"I like a tactical mind. We will go over the finer details in the morning after a good night's rest."
“Lovely tales, but I’m famished! Let’s have ourselves some dinner!” With a clap of his hands, he sets Vorlindi and Dorlivin into motion, and in a matter of minutes, they place a scrumptious looking meal before each of the PCs and Auldegrund. The meal consists of roasted game hens, venison, foraged greens and berries, and large mugs of ale. Auldegrund digs in eagerly.
As one of the brothers refills Zerryd's glass, he knocks it over spilling ale all over the table and onto Zerry's lap. He hastily grabs a cloth and begins to sop of the ale.
Auldegrund burst out laughing, "Ah Dorlivin, you are all thumbs"
Kelsti eyes the twins with interest, and their hosts largess with enthusiasm.
"Who did most of the carving of the dragon Auldegrund" he asks. Then, in preparation for making space for the meal inquires with one of the brother as to "Where might one find the jakes? Could you show me the way? I've heard the tunnels of a dwarfhold can be confusing."
He'll ask the 'subdued' brother this, and when they are out of the room, ask "Is everything all right? You ahh.. seem a little down around the gills."
Zerryd tries to push his seat back to avoid most of the spilled ale, but isn't quick enough. Giving the dwarf a reassuring smile, he says, "Accidents happen, my friend. Think nothing of it." He helps Dorlivin mop of the ale, especially that which is in his lap.
Hearing a whisper from the dwarf, Zerryd nods imperceptibly. Turning to Auldegrund, Zerryd asks, "Can you tell us about the standing mounted bears behind you? Most impressive!" When Auldegrund turns to look at the statues, Zerryd catches the party's attention as they look toward the east wall. With Auldegrund turned away, the strix indicates the food, and mouths the word: poison.
Zerryd picks at his food, moves it around on his plate to make a good showing, but doesn't actually eat.
Takemiryu is feeling quite peckish after his long slog through the mountains and is about to chow down on the delicious looking food when...
...he notices Zerryd gesticulating at his plate across the table from him and mouthing the word poison. Takemiryu's appetite deserts him. He looks at the forkful of venison he was about to stuff in his face with chagrin; it did look very delicious. He puts his fork down and reaches for his mug of ale, but pauses with it halfway to his lips. He looks up at Zerryd again and indicating the mug in his hand mouths back: this too? Despite his thirst, Takemiryu decides that he better play it safe and with yet more chagrin puts down the ale undrunk.
Takemiryu was already suspicious of the whole setup here and the secretive "job" they'd traipsed all the way up the mountains to do. The fact that their employer had just tried to poison them was the last straw. So he picks up his venison laden fork and makes a show of taking a long sniff from it. In a casual tone, he says, "So Auldegrund, tell me why we shouldn't be alarmed by the fact that you are attempting to poison us with this food?"
While the dwarf reacts to his bombshell, the kitsune quietly slips his sai into his left hand below the level of the table and makes sure that his trident is still leaning against the table next to him where he'd placed it.
"Where might one find the jakes? Could you show me the way? I've heard the tunnels of a dwarfhold can be confusing."
The dwarf just nods, "Ah yes. They can be"
"Can you tell us about the standing mounted bears behind you? Most impressive!"
Auldegrund turns to look at the trophies, "Those were actually hunted not too far from here. It took us about four days to just track one down. Once we dropped one, the other came charging at us. Must have been a kindred bond of sorts." He turns back around, not knowing what just occurred.
"So Auldegrund, tell me why we shouldn't be alarmed by the fact that you are attempting to poison us with this food?"
Auldegrund freezes at the accusation and slowly puts down his utensils. With a defeated face and beginning with a sigh, "Well, all this planning and we still have to do this the hard way."
Auldegrund stands and pulls out a Warhammer. He swings it at Zerryd's head.
Zerryd manages to avoid the hammer.
Dorlivin pulls a hammer of his own and rushes Auldegrund screaming Die repeatedly.
Auldegrund dodges his brother's blow.
Everyone may act
Round 1-Bold May Act
Auldegrund (Red)
Dorlvin (Orange)
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Party
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Vorlindi (Blue
Kellsti looks startled, and a little inconvenienced.
Calling on her deity, she sends a bolt of pure goodness at Auldegrund.
But the bolt instead is pulled into the midst of the poisoned meal, as if it knew it was more needed elsewhere.
Sighing she utters a quick prayer for protection.
(two actions, divine lance, one action shield spell)
While seated, Zerryd shakes his head at Takemiryu. "My friend, you have a lot to learn about deception. We could have used our knowledge to get the upper hand and prepare ourselves, instead of giving our host first crack." He pauses and adds, "At my head." He sighs.
Even so, the strix calmly assesses the situation. He stands, draws his rapier, and he applies one of his simple injury poisons to the weapon.
Takemiryu looks over at Zerryd with an innocent face. "Whaat? It was a simple question. It's not my fault he took it badly."
The ranger wasn't really all that surprised that Auldegrund would react badly to his question, but he is surprised to see Dorlivin start pounding on his brother with a hammer. "Looks like a little sibling rivalry at work there. Far be it for me to interfere in a family matter."
Assuming that the others would take care of Auldegrund, Takemiryu decides to concentrate on the closer threat: Vorlindi. Snatching up his trident, he hurls it at the dwarf. As his trident flies back to him, he reaches down with his other hand and frees his sai.
Jaithe, though startled by the sudden outbreak of hostilities, doesn't hesitate. She calls out arcane words and drops a sound burst between Vorlindi and Aldegrund (). She then casts Shield on herself.
Kelsti attempts to aggressively detect evil, but the bolt misses.
Zerryd poisons a weapon and attempts to strike.
Takemiru attacks the brother next to him and catches him by surprise.
Jaithe cast a spell and a loud bang sounds between Auldegrund and Vorlindi.
Vorlindi stands, pulls out a warhammer of his own, and moves to stand behind Takemiru.
Round 2
"What are you, broken?" Auldegrund yells at his brother and swings his warhammer.
The first blow lands, causing Dorlivin to stumble before he retaliates. It continues to scream die in his brother's face.
Round 2: Party may Act
Vorlindi: 34/60: deafened 1 round
Auldegrund: 38/60; deafened 1 round
Dorlvin: 49/60
Jaithe strides until she's in line with Auldegrund and Dorlvin. Intoning another incantation, a dark line shoots from her into the two attackers.
Zerryd watches as Dorlivin is proving to be quite the hero. He's confused about the dwarf being the target of friendly fire. Turning to Jaithe, he mouths, "Why?" and shakes his head bewildered.
Zerryd encourages the dwarf. "Well done, Dorlivin! If we make it through this in one piece, consider yourself freed from your ... slaver." The former Chilaxian captive continues, "I have no patience for such evil."
From his position, he reapplies an injury poison to his weapon. With Dorlivin's distraction, Zerryd moves around the table to flank with the dwarf, and he strikes our host with his rapier.
Both dwarves dodges most of the tendrils.
Zerryd moves around and gets into a flank with Dorlivin. The rapier hits and Auldegrund cries out in pain.
Kellsti and Takemiru GO!
Vorlindi: 34/60
Auldegrund: 32/60
Dorlvin: 48/60
Takemiryu is pleased to see Vorlindi stand and approach him, as it saved him from having to do so. Without bothering to stand himself, the ranger unleashes a flurry of attacks against the dwarf using his trident and sai.
Takemiru lashes out at Vorlindi landing 3 of the 4 strikes.
Vorlindi: 7/60
Auldegrund: 32/60
Dorlvin: 48/60
"What is this madness that besets you all?" asks Kellsti.
"Lord of art, preserve thy creations!" she intones as another bolt of pure light ushers from her hands.
She then wiggles her fingers, allowing the protection of her lord to also cover her.
Kellsti's bolt goes wide once more.
Auldegrund steps out of the flank and sneers, as he continues to assault his brother.
Dorlivin follows his brother and presses the attack.
Vorlindi attempts to hammer Takemiru.
Party is up
Vorlindi: 7/60
Auldegrund: 24/60
Dorlvin: 28/60
Jaithe picks up some cutlery from the table and hurls it at Dorlvin.
She casts Shield as her third action.
Zerryd still wonders why his ally continues to attack Dorlivin. "Jaithe, perhaps we should focus our efforts on our host who is trying to poison and kill us." Then turning to indicate Dorlivin, he continues, "Not the one who is helping us." He shrugs in confusion.
Turning his attention back to our host, Zerryd steps back into flanking with Dorlivin (if he's still standing), and aims two successive strikes at Auldegrund.
Takemiryu manages to avoid most of the hammer blows from Vorlindi, but one unfortunately slips past his defenses and clips him on the shoulder. "Ugh! Nice one. Now it's my turn. Prepare to die!" He glares menacingly at the dwarf before launching his attacks.
Seeing Jaithe beating on their unexpected new ally, Takemiryu echoes Zerryd's sentiment. "Uh, Jaithe? It would probably best to concentrate on attacking our proven enemy rather than our unlikely new friend. We may need his help later."
Jaithe launches a knife from the table, piercing Auldegrund in the chest.
Zerryd steps around and finishes Auldegrund with a pair of strikes.
Auldegrund freezes in place before crumbling into a pile of snow amid scale mail and a dropped warhammer.
Taekmiru finishes off Vorlindi. He too collapses into a pile of snow.
Checking the remains, you also locate a set of keys in Auldegrund's remains.
Dorlivin looks relieved with his brothers being destroyed. He speaks candidly with the PC's. "Thank you for sparing me, even if momentarily. I am a mockery, built by that monster Auldegrund, and I only hope to see him killed before I can abandon this insult to life. We were created with the sole purpose of poisoning you to be sacrificed in a barbaric ritual to Alocer."
He sighs as he looks around the dining room. "Unfortunately, one of the traps have been sprung and you all are stuck in here. The door you entered through is on a time lock seal and will not be opened again until the morning."
"I hope to be able to assist you in defeating Auldegrund, but I have only been allowed in this main area of the house. I do know that that door," He points to the door in the Northwestern corner of the room, "Is magically trapped. I do not know what lies beyond this door."
One final warning. Auldregrund is able to see through this ones eyes" Dorlivin toes the remains of Auldregund. "So I am certain that he is aware of what has occurred here. He and is hunting party is sure to be on their way back now. I would advise to prepare yourselves for his return."
"So..." asks Kellsti.
"What exactly are you, and how do you retain free will, when the others did not?"
"Are you some type of simulacrum? If so, then Auldegrund is a very powerful magician..." she pauses. "Can he see through your eyes? And if not... what of the person whose form you take?"
Finally the artist looks around the small group, remembering some may have injuries.
"I am a Simulacrum. Made in the image of Auldegrund's long dead brother. I was given the name Dorlivin at the time of my creation, but I am not sure if that was his name." Dorlivin shakes his head, "No, Auldegrund can not see through my eyes."
Takemiryu pokes at the pile of snow next to him with the tip of his trident. "A simulacrum, you say? Most impressive indeed." He then looks up at Dorlivin. "Do you have any idea of how long we have before the real Auldegrund gets back and what the makeup of his hunting party might be? We will need to search this place thoroughly and then prepare for his return."
Indicating the door they entered, he says, "Looks like we won't be getting out of here that way until morning, but I'm in no hurry to leave. I suspect that this is not the first time this Auldegrund fellow has arranged for a special hunt, but we should definitely make sure it's the last."
When Kellsti offers to do some healing, Takemiryu takes her up on the offer. "Thank you Kellsti. Vorlindi may just have been a simulacrum, but his hammer worked just like a real one." He shows the cleric the damaged area of his shoulder. While the cleric ministers to his wound, Takemiryu continues. "When Auldegrund and the hunting party returns, what entrance are they likely to use to enter the lodge? Is it the entrance we came through or is there a back door to this place they'll use?" The ranger is hoping to use his snares to provide a special welcome for Auldegrund and his friends.
Takemiryu points to the door Dorlivin indicated was trapped. "That one is magically trapped, is it?" He turns to Zerryd. "That sounds like it's right up your alley, Zerryd, no?" He points to the three remaining doors in the room and asks Dorlivin, "Where do those other doors lead?"
Once patched up by Kellsti, Takemiryu will do a careful circuit of the room looking for anything unusual or out-of-place.
"I would suspect them to come through the main door, that is the only door I know of that leads in and our of this structure. As for how long, maybe a few hours, 3 at most."
"The southern doors lead to bunk rooms."
As Takemiru does his lap around the room, he notices two peep holes on hidden within each of the mounted wolfs head on the eastern wall.
Zerryd watches with satisfaction as Takemiryu finishes the last enemy. Zerryd cleans his rapier and sheathes it, and says, "Well done, everyone." Turning to Dorlivin, he adds, "We owe you our thanks. That situation would have gone a lot worse without your help. Is there anything we can do for you?" The strix listens to all that Dorlivin has to say.
When Takemiryu says we should make sure this is Auldegrund's final hunt, Zerryd nods. "I couldn't agree more. Now, let's see about that trapped door..." While Kellsti is healing our ranger, Zerryd moves next to Dorlivin to examine the door.
At the trapped door, the rogue first checks for traps, unpacks his thieves' tools, and sets to work.
Kellesi looks first to Takemiryu 's shoulder. "This should help."
Zerryd manages to scratch out the rune, rendering it useless.
Jaithe looks embarrassed and distressed at earlier having targeted Dorlivin earlier. "I beg your pardon, Dorlivin. I do not know what came over me."