What box? What tools?
Shemar and Weadin check out the fireplace. They notice one of the flagstones is slightly out of place. They simultaneously reach down to investigate further, and bump heads as they do. They both look up, and for a moment, eyes meet. I'm sure at least one of them blushes, while the other says, "Please, after you." In the end, the flagstone is moved aside to reveal a wooden box stashed beneath. The box contains 5gp, 5sp, 10cp, and a thumb-sized cut and polished amethyst gem.
"The blacksmith had intended to throw it into the forge to turn it into slag. I'm not sure that would work, but we could try it. I imagine that it was stolen from the crypt we happened upon on our way here. Perhaps we could return it to it's place of rest? Or we could k~+@ to a volcano and toss it in. I'm afraid if we take it to someone knowledgeable in magic items to have it destroyed, they may decide to keep it instead. Let's open some doors, and then we can put an action plan together."
"Yes, I would be more comfortable putting the vile thing in the box before we continue our explorations. Don't want it to grow legs and escape us".
Stepnik giggles when he makes the comment... but one could sense he isn't entirely sure that couldn't happen.
He tries to recall anything he might have read about destroying powerful magic items.
RECALL KNOWLEDGE (Craft, Arcana, or Occultism)
"Not it!" shouts Boros, steering clear of the frightful dagger.
The room next to Sir Arpaad's bedroom is his office. The usual desk and chair and chest set up. On the desk is a ledger of the Watch's comings and goings, patrol duties, taxes collected, etc. There's a chest in the corner that the set of keys unlocks. Therein you find :
•Several small sacks and purses, altogether containing , , and
•A silver chalice engraved with images of owls
•A silver brooch of an owl
•A silver ring embedded with an oval moonstone cabochon
Stepnik knows that the dagger is cursed, and the nature of the curse seems to be related to themes of paranoia and betrayal. The magic of the curse seems to be imbued through the gemstones in the hilt. The dagger can be likely be destroyed in the smithy given someone knows how to work the furnace.
The ring of keys opens the last remaining door in the eastern tower to reveal the Watch's armory. Racks line the walls bristling with short swords and spears. A dozen or so stands of leather armor are scattered about. Several barrels are filled with arrows and unstrung shortbows.
Shemar detects magic within and, after some thorough searching, finds a very well-made suit of black leather armor covered in bronze studs.
You also find a heavy chest that the set of keys unlocks. Therein you find:
•A letter penned by Sir Arpaad
•A brass pendant of a dragon
•A wand featuring a carved dragon's head at top and a polished metal sphere impeded in its midsection.
Your Lordship,
I, Sir Einrik Arpaad, Commander of Silverpine Watch, do hereby relinquish these items to you which were seized from a woman who was justly executed by my order on this sixth day of Fossilus. The woman refused to give her name, demanded passage through the gate for herself and her two mules, refused to pay the asked-for toll-tax, and assaulted by magic one of my soldiers when he attempted to bar her way.
The soldier was seen to by our chaplain and will be able to resume his duties shortly.
Yours in Loyal Service,
Einrik Arpaad
Sébastien watches as Boros loots the chests, drawers, pockets, sacks, pouches, satchels, saddle bags and an ornate coats inside liner.
Extremely thorough. I like it.
Respectful of the Sage advice offered by Stepnik, the bard takes his name out of the mess with the cursed dagger office pool.
Anyone Gifted in smithy stuff?
Crafting (Crafters Appraisal) on Armor.
Crafting (Crafters Appraisal) on Wand
"I've got some tools that might make it safer, so I don't mind volunteering".
Stepnik lowers his pack to the ground and pulls forth some heavy gloves, and a pair of sturdy tongs.
By the way that magical armor is just beyond my ability to identify... but the wand is a wand of Manifold Missiles. You activate it and for a full minute it fires off magical darts".
Shemar was just beginning to step forward to take the axe and scoot the dagger into the box when Stepnik steps up.
Whew!
His eyebrows raise at the description of the wand.
"That armor is bottom tier magic armor . Just better than masterwork stuff. That wand is fantastic! Sebastien, you can fire that off while doing your bard stuff can't you? If not, I'd be happy to use it. I don't know how to smithy, but I'm sure we could figure it out. Those gems are the most important part to destroy, though, I think."
I wanted to be a Jeweller before I was called to Garena, but I was real early in that training when I stopped...
Sébastien whistles!
Wandering of Manifold Missile! Yes please! Could have used it againstthat stupid ghost.
Stepnik manages to scoop the cursed dagger into a box to carry back down to the smithy. As he does, he feels a chill run down his spine and a whispering sound in the back of his mind.
Down at the smithy, Weadin fusses with the forge, but can't seem to figure how to work it. She wonders if she can maybe pop the gems out of their settings. She also glances at the anvil and thinks about the magical maul on her back.
Right.. I ain't going to jimmy those emeralds out.. But I'd love to try and smash 'em with thiis giant hammer here. Place them on the anvil there Step.
Will Save
HP Will Save
Just before picking up the box Stepnik warns the others. "If you've got any magic to help me remain sane, please use it now before I pick this thing up".
He then reaches for the dagger sweat beading his brow. "I can probably get the forge working if once we get this thing in it. If I start to act weird... tie me up or something".
Stepnik steels himself and resists the urging whisper in the dark recesses of his mind. He safely carries the dagger down to the smithy.
Crafting
”That thing is evil. It was whispering things in my mind the whole way there”.
"Let's just see if we can smash those jewels. That seems to be where that evil magic is coming from. I think that the blade is just the carrier."
Plop it down on the anvil. I'll have a go at smashing it and then Travis can.
Boros starts lighting some kindling, hoping to help Stepnik get the forge going!
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Stepnik too fiddles with the forge, but seems a bit stymied.
Not to give into frustration, Weadin gives the dagger a tap with her new magical maul, once belonged to the Watch's resident Smith, before swi ginger with all her might. With loud crack, she smashes the serpentine gemstones embedded in the golden hilt.
At that point, Boros cleverly lites a tiny campfire within the forge, which is just enough to ignite it completely. Wiping the sweat off his brow, Stepnik tosses the remainder of the dagger into the burning coals, and our heroes watch as the dagger slowly melts down into slag.
Now that the deed is done, and all spirits have been put to rest, the group splits up and open the gates to allow Oona and her cart passage through the Watch.
By the time you return outside to greet the others, it's already getting into late afternoon.
Sébastien watches Stepnik shakily carried the dagger. The bard begins oration a tale of Bravery and Grit. It had something to do with the Detroit Lions.
Soothe
Waiting patiently for the dagger to be dismantled, Sébastien smiles at Boros' ingenuity.
Halfling Luck, my ass!
Smiling he then adds
S&$&! Hope Oona is still out there!
Well let's give this place a once over. See if we missed anything. Gerana knows I never want to come back here.
Stepnik feels lucky to have both survived this place and met some new allies. When Oona enters the gate he pulls her aside and describes what has happened.
"Might have to find somebody else to man this post. Seems most have journeyed to the other side. Perhaps some of this group would prefer a life of manning a keep rather than adventuring onware".
That was a lot of fun. Thanks for running us through it GM.
Boros admires his handiwork in helping Stepnik start the forge.
"Halflings make their own luck, am I right?" He gives the bard a fist bump. "Maybe I'll become a blacksmith's apprentice," he grins.
He heads out with the others to find Oona and her wagon. "Well, took a damn sight longer n' any o' us expected, but hopin' the rest o' the road ta Hearth'll be a bit easier n' this."
He then goes to find Valkor, the reason why Boros had gotten outta prison--and almost got himself killed. "Hey Boss, yer gonna put in a good word for me, right? I did my job e'en when yer sorry ass went down." Of course, I'd have run if we didn't get backup, but you don't need to know that.
Shemar emerges from the towers with an ashy tinge to his skin. He looks sad if he's seen a ghost.
"Oona, everyone inside has died an unpleasant death. Many of them were cursed to rise as undead. We were able to put them to rest. Even so, I think that the sooner we can move on, the better."
Sébastien's fist bumb to Boros falls a bit short when Shemar tells Oona everything!
The embarrassed bard looks ready to move this train along the road....
After hearing about the fate of all those within the Watch, Oona looks saddened, especially for her friend Bartoz, "Thank you all for doing what you had to do. It’s a real tragedy what’s happened. Thank you for helping their spirits find rest. It’s a good thing you destroyed that dagger, so nothing like this will happen again. We will notify the Council of Hearth of what happened here. I imagine that Warden Deldrin Brotz will man the Watch until the Crown can appoint a new Commander."
"Yes Boros," replies Valkor, "I believe you’ve earned your freedom. I hereby release you from my supervision. As for me, I will stay behind and keep an eye on the Watch. I believe my duty to Shankhil demands me to bury the remaining dead here and continue service at this way post." Upon hearing this, Elry decides to stay behind too and help with the burial rites.
Oona informs you that it is still another two day journey from here to Hearth, but everyone seems more than ready to put some good distance between themselves and this place. So, after parting ways with Valkor and Elry, and paying them their share, Oona snaps the reins and Dapple and Misty get the cart moving once again.
You recall the tale of the Battle of Darkwater Crossing in 1012, where the legendary King Ragnaus, Son of Ragnachar, mustered the southern Sunderlander tribes against the invading Zethinian armies under General Hakime, only to be betrayed and murdered on the battlefield by his closest friend, Chieftan Berengar. Hakime went on to conquer the southern Sunderlands and installed Berengar the Backstabber as provincial governor. After a short reign filled with rebellion and constant paranoia, Berengar was himself betrayed and overthrown, ambushed in the Silverpine Forest and buried with his men in an unmarked mound. It wasn’t until 1065 that King Bertolt Endinger was finally able to unite the clans of the Silverpine Forest and Aster Valley and establish the Kingdom of Asternia as it stands today.
It’s no wonder the tormented spirit of Sir Arpaad remained to haunt Silverpine Watch, but that doesn’t necessarily explain why his men rose again as zombies and skeletons. Was there some other necromantic force at play, and if so, what could it be?
As the adventurers regroup 'victorious' outside and begin their aftermath discussions, Shemar realizes that This adventuring group has ended. Mostly anyway. With Valkor, Elry, and it seems Boros after a time as well leaving, Shemar looks to their two newcomers.
This group has not ended, just adapted. Changed. Maybe it's best to stay fluid. Some people are better suited to different environments and situations, I suppose. Where am I best suited to? Where is my Dragon sponsor leading me? hmph. I could use more definite contact with him. Lead to my destiny. Maybe I'll have to sleep on it.
"Valkor, I was hoping that the two of us could have more time together to make our mark on this world, but your decision makes sense. This is where you need to be. Elry, I'm sure that we'll run into one another again at some point. Take care of yourself until then. Boros, are you going to travel to town with us then, before you pick your new path? Maybe this wagon ride will be a bit more peaceful?"
As the group begins to pack up the wagon with things they 'found' in the towers, Shemar takes time to look at the brass pin he seemed to have skipped over while within the walls.
What is this thing?
"Sebastian, could I see that wand for a moment? I haven't had a chance to think about this dragon pin being found with a dragon stylized wand. This can't be a coincidence.
RECALL: Society
RECALL: Religion
Stepnik is puzzled by the willingness to stay behind of some of this group, but none-the-less wishes them well.
I found this adventure thrilling and want more. Dangerous... yes but so is mixing together new regents without know what's going to happen... and this seems to pay better.
After hearing about the fate of all those within the Watch, Oona looks saddened, especially for her friend Bartoz, "Thank you all for doing what you had to do. It’s a real tragedy what’s happened. Thank you for helping their spirits find rest. It’s a good thing you destroyed that dagger, so nothing like this will happen again. We will notify the Council of Hearth of what happened here. I imagine that Warden Deldrin Brotz will man the Watch until the Crown can appoint a new Commander."
"Yes Boros," replies Valkor, "I believe you’ve earned your freedom. I hereby release you from my supervision. As for me, I will stay behind and keep an eye on the Watch. I believe my duty to Shankhil demands me to bury the remaining dead here and continue service at this way post." Upon hearing this, Elry decides to stay behind too and help with the burial rites.
Oona informs you that it is still another two day journey from here to Hearth, but everyone seems more than ready to put some good distance between themselves and this place. So, after parting ways with Valkor and Elry, and paying them their share, Oona snaps the reins and Dapple and Misty get the cart moving once again.
Boros grins as he receives his freedom! "You're alright, Boss. It's been fun, but I's gonna get myself back to town!"
Before he goes, Boros unpins his Bravery Baldric (Fleet) and hands it to Shemar. "Seems like you're out for some more adventurin'. Keep it. And remember to be brave." He gives the sorcerer a wink. And then begins the journey back home. And no doubt back to more trouble.
Shemar receives the Bravery Baldric from Boros solemnly, watching him depart.
Wait, was that a dig at me? Was he saying that I'm not brave? I didn't run from anything. Not really. I'm just not some brazen fighter pushing to the front! No, I think that he was just being clever with the name.
As the party continues to sort through the loot that they want for themselves, the art objects to sell, and the items to leave behind for the fort, and Valkor, Shemar notes a few items still of interest.
"We should definitely take this lesser rope of climbing. I'm sure that it will come in useful. I don't know if I'm the best person to use it though. I'm not an avid climber. Since we have Oona's wagon for now, we might as well take some extra winter protection too."
Shemar will grab a set of winter clothing as well as a wool set. Adventuring is hard on clothes. If no one else cares to claim the rope, Shemar will tuck it away.
Sebastien actually seems to be smiling as they load the wagon, inspect the goods and prepare to depart.
Boros, it was a pleasure!
The bard does indeed allow Shemar to inspect the wand.
After two days journey north from Silverpine Watch, Oona and her wagon finally reach the little lumber town of Hearth. A chill remains in the air this far north and this close to the Crescent Mountains, but the sun feels warmer and fewer patches of snow are on the ground as spring truly breaks.
The first thing one notices about Hearth, approaching from the south, is that the land around town has been clear cut and tuned into meadows and pastures. Sheep and cattle graze on the fresh green shoots of grasses, and bees buzz around in their busy pursuit of nectar from the early spring blooming wildflowers.
As the group approaches town, an ease must fill them to know their job with Oona is nearly complete. However, Sébastien and Shemar must remember that Magyola Olvrehe from the Darkwater Adventurer's Guild has a follow up task for then, to find the whereabouts of a missing adventurer, Druingar the Glintaxe, who was last reportedly in Hearth five years ago. Likewise, Weadin and Stepnik were originally sent up here by Magyola to locate one Vazenko Penchev, who was last reportedly in the company of one Drazmorg the wizard.
Oona drives her cart up the main road but stops short of the main gates. The town proper is surrounded by a tall timber wall built upon a low hill. There is a small section of town on the outskirts south of town, colloquially called Honey Alley, because of local meadery. Oona explains that the town is divided into four sections, Honey Alley to the south, Old Hearth and Market Grove within the town walls, and the Lumberyards to the north. There is a gate fee of 1 gold for anyone entering or leaving the town walls.
A crowd of children gather round Oona's cart, asking to feed Dapple and Misty from the sack of crabapple. Oona laughs and the ponies winnie their approval. The halfling merchant then directs you up the side street, ”The Compass Rose is up that way. I’m sure you can find information and further work there. I’m headed to the High Market in town to see what I can sell. I’ll give you your cut for the items you procured, oh! And here is your pay for getting me here, and a little extra for all the trouble we’ve been through.” Oona pays the party 40gp!
Once the ponies are satisfied, Oona snaps the reins once more and heads toward the southern gate. The rest of you head toward The Compass Rose, the ubiquitous inn and temple of Veiloaria, were you are sure to find food and lodging and access to the local adventurer’s guild. Upon entering the establishment, you are greeted with a warm atmosphere, although a few rough and tough individuals dot the scene. The bartender, a burly chested man with dark hair and a long waxed mustache, waves you over, ”You folks look like you’re fresh off the road. The names, Danyl Konan, proprietor. What service can I be for ya?”
While around a capture that Shemar magically lit, after someone else built up the sticks...
"So that was supposed to have been a boring passing through a gate. We had no idea that anything had happened there. The Darkwater Adventure's Guild had sent us to check on a missing adventurer. Someone who was last seen in Hearth five years ago! The group of us had decided to start our adventuring careers with that mission. A brass dragon had personally...". Shemar trails off as he stairs into thee fire "A brass dragon..."
"Told you that great things awaited you, but you had to get off your pampered ass before anything good could come of you.". Says a tiny brass dragon and it walks out of the camp fire.
After a stammering conversation between Shemar and the brass dragon . It seems that Shemar's dragon sponsor thought that he needed some more direct guidance than he was able to provide, so this little was sent to his aid.
As Oona speaks of the Compass Rose as she intends to head to market, Shemar feels a bit at a loss.
This is so very different from how we had planned it. Just me and Sebastian now from the original group. What do we do? Do we continue looking for Glintaxe? Will these other two sick with us? My dragon and I will complete this mission, whether or not wet all stick together!
But I hope they do stick with us.
"Well meet Danyl, I'm Shemar Dunebright. We are indeed fresh off the road, and a lager to clear the dust from our throats would be appreciated. Then, we may have a tale to tell you "
Ascaede looks up as the door opens to admit an interesting looking troupe of travellers.
By the Calling! Adventurers if I’m not mistaken…
Her hope rises as she sees what she hopes are kindred spirits. Since leaving her remote Yolanite monastery Ascaede has had to adapt to the world, and worldly things, but her spirits have suffered - here, in this humble village she had almost lost all hope of finding answers.
For the moment, Ascaede takes the group’s measure, knowing that patience can reveal more than haste.
The Flamekeeper was wise to send me out…perhaps I shall not fail…
As the door of the Compass Rose creek and close, a man stands just in front of the entrance. His eyes quickly dart around, you almost see the figure sigh, and then start making steps towards the taps.
He leans against the bar, readjusting the straps on his armor with his free hand. The armor saw better days, contrasting the weapons' shine. A bandana covers his head, and a uniform stubble covers the green-tinted cheeks of his face, except for the chin - there's some growth there.
Two tusk-like canines protrude from within his mouth, bottom to top. The man has orcish origins, but doesn't seem like the strong, muscular sort. In fact, he is fairly short even for a human, and especially short for an orc. He briefly glances at Shemar, then turns back to the bartender.
"Hey, Danyl, can I get two ales? And have you seen Barlus around? I need to talk to him, but he's nowhere to be seen."
Stepnik is at first startled at the appearance of the small dragon, and leaps to his feet looking for something to throw, then he sees it has no hostile intent and becomes fascinated. He turns to Shemar... "Can I look at it? I of course know about this kind of thing... but its construction is... well fascinating".
For the rest of the night Stepnik takes every opportunity to inspect the small brass dragon, even going so far as to get his face quite close to it a couple times.
"Yes, I guess we kind of jumped right in to helping each other out without speaking of why we were there. Both Weadin and I are looking for a Wizard named Drazmorg. A friend of ours was last seen with him and now he's missing. Does that name mean anything to you"?
"Thank you Mr. Konan. An ale to wash the dust of the road from my tongue would be great for starters... and I'm sure a bed softer than the side of the road under a wagon would shortly follow. What are your rates for rooms".
Sébastien wrestles with the experience of having survived the Fall of Silverpine Watch. The halfling's blue eyes a bit far away when the sudden appearance of a tiny brass dragon makes itself at home amongst them, brightens and belies his gratitude.
Finally, some brightness to eliminate that darkness.
Entering the crowded common room of the Compass Rose, the smiling bard takes in the noise, the smoke, the smells and inhales it all into his small frame.
Never want to leave!
The halfling sighs once reminded of their initial mission.
OK. But one pint first!
Two lagers in, and Shemar seems to loosen up a bit. Langivar, which is the name that the tiny brass dragon had given to the party, coaxed Shemar into telling the harrowing tale of the fall of Silverpine Watch.
Langivar"Okay, okay, that's all the ghost and zombie stuff, now tell them about the cursed dagger!"
Shemar becomes more animated with the telling, which is still fairly reserved.
"Yes, so then we finally found the smithy where Waedin smashed the gems with this special smith hammer that got turned into a war hammer. The gems were the root of the evil, we had decided. Then, just for good measure, we melted the metal down to slag. I think Stepnik there got the forge going. Now that I think about it, I'm not sure why I didn't just breathe for in it. But anyway, there's the story of Silverpine Watch. Some of our friends stayed behind to get it started beck up though. Now we can move on to our next mission."
Langivar"Very important stuff here!"
At the campfire Waedin is a little bit lost in thought and spends most of her time reading the holy books in her little library. Sorry I'm distracted. Just feels like I need to be paying attention to my cleric training and not pining over going back to be a jeweller like I wanted to be.
At the inn she says Ahh.. I need some refreshment. It's been a harder road than expected. Hopefully Step's and I's actual job will go much faster.
She motions to the bartender. Danyl was it? With the drink can you tell us about a person we're looking for. Vazenko Penchev, might be with one Drazmorg the wizard.
Ascaede listens intently to the robed man and the wondrous brass dragonette.
Interesting. I wonder if it is alive, or a…automaton of some kind. It clearly is…sentient…
Ustemir, if you've been around Hearth long enough, you.k ow that people going missing is no new thing. Not only is Hearth a somewhat transient town, with the lumber industry bringing in the type of folks running away from their pasts, but also the Silverpine Woods are full of dangers, wild animals, wilder fey, hobgoblin raiders, you name it. You may have even heard a woodsman or to whispering rumors of an extremely intelligent wolf stalking them. Asking Danyl about Barlus doesn't help you.feel any easier, "Aye, Barlus, funny you should mention him. You're not the first one asking around about him." He jerks his thumb over his shoulder to the Guild bulletin board, "Lady Baranova posted that just the other day. You might want to stop by the Civic House and ask her." Ustemir will see a job posting for help locating the missing hunter Barlus, posted by Lady Baranova, High Priestess of Gerana.
Danyl is of course happy to keep your mugs full and offers some lodging. After hearing Shemar's tale of the Silverpine Watch, he's taken aback, "Sounds like some real adventuring. If the lot of ya want to join the guild, for a yearly fee you get discounts on gear and first dibs on the ol' job board." He smiles.
To Weadin he replies, "Vazenko, don't know the name, but Drazmorg is a creepy old recluse, lives north of town locked up in that tower of his, doing who knows what."
"So he's gone missing proper? Not just drunkenly wandering off into the woods? Alright, I'll go talk to her. Thank you." Ustemir puts a silver on the bar and stands up as the conversation continues. He walks over to the job board and starts looking for Barlus' work.
"Speaking of dibs..." he quickly tears off the paper he was looking for and moves to sit back down, waiting for his drinks. "And if you folks are looking to join the guild, I can introduce you. As a matter of fact, I will be heading over soon." the dromaar turns to the newcomers. "Name's Ustemir. I find people in these here parts. The kind that go missing on purpose, mostly, but I seem to be branching out for my buddy Barlus." he thinks for a moment. "Anyway... Welcome to Hearth!"
After completing his tale, Shemar sits silently for a moment, processing the discussion about missing persons and a crazy wizard's tower. Langivar looks to Shemar and then finally nudges him when he does not respond. Gaining his attention, he then looks pointedly at Ustemir.
"Yes, well met Ustemir. My companion Sebastien and I are also here to inquire about a missing person. There seems to be a magic hole swallowing people up in this area."
Moving to join him at the job board, he continues, "I think that joining you for a trip to the local guild would be a good idea. That seems to be the natural place to start. If we are all looking for missing persons, I don't see how that could be a coincidence. Perhaps we should pool our resources and coordinate our searches together."
Langivar flies over from the bar to land on Shemar's shoulder. He simply smiles at Ustemir.
Waedin seems unnerved by all the news. Nice to meet you all. I got to say, I don't know if my clan was just real peaceful, thanks be to Garena, or if I'm just getting unlucky and travelling to places that have a lot of terrible things going on. I think I'm going to need to get some stronger armor.