Balabar's page

I am thinking of Herman Porter, a paladin of Iomedae enroute to the Mendevian Crusades. He was side-tracked on his journey by strange urgings that drew him towards Ustalav. He found himself unwelcome in a mysterious land and learned to hide his true nature.

Herman is grim and dark. He keeps his face in shadow to hide the sword-like scar that slashes his left cheek. He is awkward with words and brusque with strangers. He warms to people slowly but knows he has to reach out to others in this grim land if he is going to be successful fighting the undead menaces that seem to lurk behind every corner.

It took a long time to get them all in the same place, but I finally managed to take portraits of the Graul family.

Enjoy!

I have enjoyed all of the pathfinder adventure paths and other materials through the years but am unable to afford them right now. Thanks for the great gaming.

Please cancel my adventure path and chronicles subscriptions. I have enjoyed the material a great deal but need to cut back on expenses right now.

Thanks for all of the great gaming.

Are Planet Stories books distributed to any stores in Vancouver, BC?

Design Focus: Skills

1. Pathfinder: The system presented in Skills chapter of the Pathfinder RPG

This is my favourite. It is simple and easy to apply to monsters and NPCs. Horray for no skill synergies!

I like the way that as you gain levels your number of skills increases without reducing the effectiveness of your previous skill choices. The addition of of a new skill every even level encourages taking cross-class skills, which creates well-rounded characters and interesting role-playing opportunities.

I could see reducing the number of skills granted to 1st level characters decreasing, to compensate for combining many skills.

Some of the other options have some promise but they don't match the simplicity and ease of use.

Lose Iterative Attacks, Keep Multiple Attacks

I've always found that the biggest problem with iterative attacks is the fact that each successive attack is less effective. Its so anti-climatic to roll the the fourth iterative attack--it either misses or hits on a twenty.

My solution is to use get rid of the iterative attacks in the noramal BAB progression and istead add in balanced multiple attacks with the same attack modifier through feats, like this:

Dual Attack (Combat)
Prerequisites: base attack bonus +6
Benefit: When you use the full attack action, you can make two attacks with the same weapon. Take a -2 penalty to all attacks until the beginning of your next turn.

Triple Attack (Combat)
Prerequisites: Dual Attack, base attack bonus +11
Benefit: When you use the full attack action, you can make three attacks with the same weapon. Take a -5 penalty to all attacks until the beginning of your next turn.

Supreme Attack (Combat)
Prerequisites: Dual Attack, Triple Attack, base attack bonus +16
Benefit: When you use the full attack action, you can make four attacks with the same weapon. Take a -8 penalty to all attacks until the beginning of your next turn.

This approach is similar to the approach used in SWSE, but with a few key differences:
- the penalties are not as large and make the attacks do approximately the same amount of damage as the previous iterative attacks.
- it's not tied to a specific weapon.

The nice thing about this approach is that its nicely backwards compatible. If you have an NPC opponent who has iterative attacks under the old rules, you can quickly convert him to using these rules by giving him the appropriate feats. And because Pathfinder gives more feats, you don't have to redistribute any of the NPCs other feats.

Its also very flexible--against high AC opponents, you can make 1 or 2 attacks at low penalties while against low AC opponents you can make 3 or 4 attacks with higher penalties.

It also means that other feats can be more effective--you don't have to sacrifice your 3rd and 4th attacks to make your power-attacking first attack deal the maximum damage.

Howdy,

The rules pdf looks very, very nice. However, I have trouble reading documents on my computer screen.

Any chance on creating a plain text version of the rules, suitable for printing out and storing in a binder? It would make play-testing the rules much, much easier.

Thanks

1) I haven't decided yet, but I'm leaning towards converting to 4E.

2) I would continue to subscribe to Pathfinder and would be more likely to convert to 4E.

3) I would continue to subscribe to Pathfinder and would be less likely to convert to 4E.

Balabar,

I've reset it.

Thanks. You guys are great.

Hello,

There is an error with this order. I selected the USPS package shipping rate, not the priority mail. Could you change it please?

Thanks

Realistically, I will most likely play the 3rd adventure path in 4.0. If Paizo doesn't convert, I'll probably do the conversion myself. I think its always going to be easier to get player's to play the current version of the game.

I don't think a 3.75 version will work. If people want to keep playing 3.5 because they have a lot of 3.5 books, Paizo won't be able to support them because most of those 3.5 books are not open content. If Paizo puts out a 3.75 ruleset, it will have to directly compete with 4.0 and I don't think Paizo has the resources to take on WotC head-on.

<taps microphone>

Hello... is this thing on?

Is anyone home?

I still haven't received Dungeon 150 - although I did get my replacement Dragon 358 and poster last week.

Any chance of getting a replacement Dungeon 150 sent?

Thanks

Hello,

I still haven't received Dungeon 150 (or Dragon 358 or the 359 poster - but I've already sent that email). I'm hoping its not another Canada-wide screw-up.

I have, however, received my first copy of Pathfinder and am delighted with it.

Thanks

Guy Humual, canadaboy, Balabar, and David Roulston, we'll reship.

Thanks!

All,

Did your 359 (and, for Dungeon subscribers, 150) include that note that first started appearing with Canadian subscription mailings a couple of months ago?

There was a thick paper address sheet in the plastic bag. It was the first time I had seen it. I haven't received Dungeon 150 yet, but I thought I would wait a little longer before asking for a replacement as I just received Dragon 359.

I'm another Canadian with the same problem.

I received Dragon 359 yesterday. The plastic bag was sealed but there was no poster.

I also haven't received Dragon 358 yet.

Thanks again for great magazines and great customer service. I'm realy looking forward to Pathfinder!

Balabar

A Peace Treaty

Khayal and Mohagin lowered their weapons and moved cautiously into the room until they were surrounded by lizardman warriors. Khayal was rebuffed when he tried to push past the warriors into the centreof the camber, where the leader was standing. Lyria entered the room, curious to see what the lizardman leader wanted.

The leader of the lizardmen was old and stooped, with a feathered skull helm on his head. He introduced himself in halting Common as “Hishka of the Twisted Branch tribe.” He proposed a deal with the adventurers, the tribe would release the prisoners if they would only remove Shukak and Kotabas from power. He also promised to negotiate a treaty between the lizardmen and the ‘city on the river,’ (Greyhawk) but that they must move quickly!

The party agreed to the offer. Hishka gave directions on where to find the leader and his right-hand lizard—they were just a few rooms away! Shukak was a large male with a wicked a trident and Kotabas was a wrestler. And with that, the Heroes of Diamond Lake pursued their quarry deeper into the lizardman lair.

(End of the fourth session. It was a rather abrupt change of pace to have Hiska propose a truce with the group. The alternative was to have the group mow through the lair, slaying lizardman after lizardman until they reached the chief’s chambers. It would have been nicer if the lizardmen could have presented more of a challenge. If I had to do it again, I would give all of the plain lizardfolk two levels of warrior and make 1 in 5 a 3rd level barbarian.

Another idea might be to divide the tribe into two easily recognizable factions—one low powered and numerous, the other more powerful, probably with the draconic template from Races of the Dragon.)

Into the Lizardman Lair

Once everyone was on the other side of the river, Khayal resumed looking for tracks. After several hours of laborious travel, the adventurers followed the lizardmen’s path to a clearing with a huge grouping of mangaroo trees in the centre. Khayal scouted around the perimeter of the clearing, silently watching the grove for signs of habitation.

After a few moments, a group of lizardmen left the mangaroo grove and headed out into the marsh. Khayal waited until the lizardmen had moved far enough away, and then moving to the edge of the mangaroos. After a quick search, he found an entrance. He then stealthily returned to the party and led them to the opening.

The group decided to head in. Shanarah cast darkvision on Khayaland he moved in ahead of his companions to scout. After investigating a short while, Khayal flashed his continual flame medallion and signaled the group to advance behind him. He moved further into the tunnels to a root-filled chamber. Hearing flapping wings near him but unable to see anything, Khayal blindly threw a shuriken in hopes of surprising the possible assailant.

An enchanting voice sang out, “Come to me, come to me...” Khayal was compelled to move into the room. He was now able to see the two filthy winged creatures fluttering by the ceiling. The one that wasn’t singing shot him with an arrow, wounding him. He was powerless to respond.

Lyria walked further into the maze and caught the tail end of the beguiling song. Succumbing to the melody herself, she continued in thrall towards the harpy singer. Meanwhile, Khayal was attacked again. Ran, Mohagin and Shanarah moved forward to investigate the disappearance of their two comrades. They either didn’t hear or were unaffected by the foul creature’s song.

The second harpy started to sing but everyone resisted its effect so she flew up to the ceiling. The other struck Khayal with her club once but missed with her second attack. Shanarah cast a scorching ray on the flying harpy, severely damaging it.

Mohagin moved into the room and readied an attack as he looked meaningfully at the cleric. Taking his cue, Ran started casting enlarge person. The song’s enchantment wore off of Khayal. He turned invisible and threw a shuriken at the harpy nearest him. Lyria briefly regained her senses, sang an inspirational song, and drew her sword.

The first harpy sang again and Lyria fell back into thrall. As it flew away from Khayal he struck at its exposed flank. The second creature shot its bow at Mohagin and dodged the scorching ray Shanarah cast at it. Mohagin delayed his action until Ran finished casting his spell. As he grew in size, he swung at the closest harpy twice, hitting only once.

Khayal remained invisible and moved closer, then killed a harpy with a well-placed shuriken. Still captivated, Lyria moved towards the dead harpy’s body. The remaining harpy shot at Mohagin and missed. Mohagin returned the favor—and killed it.

Lizardmen started to pour into the room from another passage way. Shanarah cast magic missile on one of the advancing lizardmen and dropped it. The other lizardmen hurriedly retreated back to the next room. One provoked an attack from Khayal, who killed it.

“I can’t fit through these damn passageways!” bellowed a frustrated Mohagin.

Ran dismissed the enlarge person on Mohagin and pulled out his wand of enlarge person before the two of them advanced after the withdrawing lizardmen.

In her right mind again, Lyria moved forward into the connecting tunnel and cast glitterdust on the lizardmen while Shanarah magic missiled one of them. Two of the reptilians stumbled around blindly but the third moved further back. Mohagin advanced forward and dodged a javelin. Ran moved in and Khayal followed as he killed a blind lizardman with a shuriken. Lyria entered into the room, drew her bow, shot at the other blind lizardman, but missed. Shanarah magic missiled the same target but did not drop it.

“Invaders! Invaders!” the lizardmen cried out in draconic, attempting to summon help while they withdraw out of the party’s reach.

“The alarm had been sounded,” Shanarah informed the party.

Ran and Mohagin stayed right on their heels. Khayal hurled another shuriken but it missed his target. Lyria shot another lizardman, reinforcements arrived.

Suddenly, a rough voice called out in common tongue, “Stop your fighting! We must talk!” before it barked out another order in a language that only Shanarah seemed to understand. Shanarah interpreted for the group “It sounds like all the lizardmen are being told to drop their weapons.”

(The harpies were given one level of fighter each, which actually made them a reasonable encounter. The lizard men, again, presented no threat at all.)

Another Ambush

As the rest of the party took turns keeping watch, they remaining companions on the bank of the river continued across to the islet. Shanarah went first followed by Ran, who tied the end of the rope around himself and allowed the group to pull him across.

Unfortunately, before Ran could reach the edge of the small island, Khayal warned the group that there were two crocodiles headed towards the cleric. The two arcane casters tried to distract the nearest crocodile, Shanarah with a magic missile and Lyria with a glitterdust. Blinded by the glitterdust, the closest crocodile swam away and joined the other crocodile. Ran was able to pull himself out of the river as the reptiles began gnawing on the lizardman corpses.

After waiting a while to see if the crocodiles were preoccupied with their snack, the party used a similar plan to cross the other half of the river. Khayal crossed first, then Mohagin followed to secure the rope. In the middle of Lyria’s crossing, one of the crocodiles decided that it would prefer a tender human morsel to a tough lizard hide and swiftly swam towards the bard.

Lyria clung to the rope with one arm and cast glitterdust on the advancing creature. Shanarah tried to help drive it off by peppering it with a magic missile. The now-blinded crocodile moved up to Lyria.

“Lyria! I’ll protect you!”

Alarmed at the creature’s proximity to the bard he had sworn to protect, Khayal threw two shuriken at it but missed with both. Mohagin fired his bow twice, hitting with the first arrow but missing with the second.

In a panic, Lyria cast swift expeditious retreat and made it up to and out of the river with the boosted movement. Shanarah cast magic missile on the crocodile again, this time using her wand. The crocodile blindly charged the shore, snapping at Mohagin. Khayal threw a shuriken at it, killing it.

“You’re safe now! I saved you!” Khayal crowed triumphantly.

“You certainly did. I couldn’t have made it without you,” Lyria replied—only a little sardonically.

The group prepared to attack the second crocodile but it seemed happy with its easy meal and was not as greedy as its deceased friend. After a brief wait, Shanarah and Ran crossed the river in the same manner as before.

(6 HD advanced crocodiles aren’t much of a threat either. Glitterdust is a great spell against animals and other brutish creatures with low Will saves.)

1st Moonday of Wealsun, in the year 595 CY

In the morning Ran checked everyone thoroughly and declared the party to be disease-free. However, they were still covered with numerous itchy insect bites. The group followed Khayal’s example and smeared a mixture of mud and plants on the bites to help alleviate the irritation. They then continued their journey after Shanarah cast mage armor on Khayal and herself.

Midway through the day the group arrived at a moderately flowing river running through the marsh. Khayal stared intently into the water but saw nothing moving in its murky depths. After deliberating for a short time, the party decided on a plan that would see them safely across the river.

Khayal threw a grappling hook around a tree on an islet in the middle of the river, securing it on his second attempt. The party would use the rope to aid their swimming attempts. Mohagin was the first to cross, swimming across the river easily despite his heavy armor before securing the rope more securely on the other side. Khayal following behind him next.

Lyria was carefully wading across when Khayal spotted lizardmen in the water on the opposite bank of the river! He alerted the rest of his companions and drew his shortsword. Not wanting to be caught hanging from the rope in the middle of the water, Lyria struggled to the islet. Khayal went into a defensive stance while Mohagin drew his bow and readied a shot.

Seven more lizardmen popped their heads out of the water, moved closer while drawing javelins, and threw them at Khayal, but they were unable to hit the dexterous shadow-warrior. Shanarah cast an unusual looking fireball made of electrical energy at a group of five lizardmen—none survived the shock.

“The fire-electricity burns!” screamed one lizardman in draconic as he died.

Lyria pulled out her horn, swiftly cast inspirational boost, and started to play a rallying song. Khayal stabbed at a lizardman but the foliage obscured his aim and he missed. Mohagin dropped his bow, unsheathed his greatsword, and beheading the lizardman in one swing.

“That’s more like it!” bellowed the grim Baklunish warrior.

As Shanarah prepared to cast another electrical fireball, three of the lizards threw javelins at her to try to disrupt her concentration but were unsuccessful. Two more lizardmen fell to her fire-electricity. The remaining lizardmen fled and the adventurers chose not to pursue them.

“Just a little something I’ve been working on,” Shanarah answered when asked about her strange fireballs, “The work a little better in water than the normal ones, don’t you think?”

(Shanarah had taken the Energy Substitution (electricity) feat at 6th level. This encounter consisted of two lizardman leaders (warrior 2) and eight regular lizardmen waiting in ambush using the river for cover. It demonstrated again that lizardmen are just not a threat to 5th or 6th level characters, no matter how many of them there are. I had hoped that the lizardmen would have lasted a little longer. I was planning on having at least one of them surrender, so that the group could learn something about the politics inside the Twisted Branch lair.)

1st Sunday of Wealsun, in the year 595 CY

After the giant bird creature was finally slain the group reassembled to check out the area. At Ran’s urging, Khayal started searching the black stone dais. It appeared to be made of one single black stone. All but Mohagin approached the dais to check out the symbol. Ran recognized it as a summoning circle, though it was now unusable due to a large crack on its surface.

Khayal headed to the ruined tower to look around. The top floor was partialy destroyed and open to the sky. It contained the ruins of a bed. The bottom floor had a nest, likely that of the giant bird beast. When Khayal looked under the nest he found a treasure trove that included melted hunk of platinum slag, 10,000 copper pieces in a brass cauldron, four red-brown gems worth 140 gp each, and two blue gems worth 500 gp each. Seeing the treasure Mohagin commented that this was “quite a nice nest egg.” The rest of the party groaned.

Also found was the last page of a journal that contained vague clues about its owner, the one who built the tower and summoning circle.

Harvester 23, 394 - Yragerne will regret scorning me! I should have been the master of his new guild, not that fool Burdock. I am sure it's the influence of that Kettish witch Hura. No matter, the papers I stole from her will allow me to raise a fiendish army from this foul swamp. When we march on his pathetic little hamlet, he shall feel my wrath.

Patchwall 2, 394 - My elemental slaves have completed the tower. They assure me that it will stand for a thousand years. I have dismissed the underlings but have retained the eldest xorn to complete the summoning circle. The platform must be built from a single flawless piece of onyx if the ritual is to be successful.

Patchwall 17, 394 - The barbaric lizardmen have rebuffed my advances. If they do not care for coins I shall sway them with force. Their tangle of broken roots will be no match for my infernal minions.

Patchwall 25, 394 - The raids from the accursed lizards have must be stopped. If I had time, I would fly south across the river and slay them all. Instead, I shall summon a fiendish guardian from Acheron to protect the tower while I prepare for the final ritual.

Readying 3, 394 - Bah! The foul witch's magic is flawed. I have been beset by parrots ever since I called Krigakna'lak. The beast is an idiot -- it can do little more than squawk and defecate. But it keeps the lizardmen away.

Readying 13, 394 - I am ready. Zagig and Hura are too cautious, they have Fraz-Urb'luu's true name but do not dare to use it. I may not be able to call the Prince of Deception, but lesser fiends are within my reach. I have stolen papers with the true name of Visciannix from the Kettish crone and I have the courage to call him. With the pit fiend leading my forces, the whole world will soon tremble at the mention of Remrahz the Conqueror!

At Khayal’s urging the group decided to camp in the tower clearing. During the second watch, Khayal noticed a gathering swarm of biting insects. His survival skills told him that they could be carrying disease. He borrowed a tindertwig from Mohagin to start a fire and drove them away.

(The journal of Remrahz the Conqueror was a pure red herring. Unfortunately for Remrahz, his name was lost to history. I guess his summoning of the pit fiend didn’t quite work out the way he intended.)

Hi Rhothaerill,

I found the greyhawk calendar online here. However, I made up the details of Eid, Fools’ Day, and the Festival of the Dented Chapeaux. feel free to use the m if you want.

On with the show!

Sorry for the awful spot checks guys. Not my strength. Hopefully I'll roll better in combat than I have so far.

No problem at all. You've more than made up for it with your Sense Motive and Intimidate checks.

It will be interesting to see how my well my knowledge based character does. They say no plan survives contact with the enemy, but I sure hope Telvar does. :)

I've seen knowledge based character do very well in home campaigns. Knowing a monster's weaknesses can be very powerful.

By the way, as I am new to the PbP method of gaming, any suggestions you guys have would be welcome. Thanks.

I'm new to PbP as well. Its tricky, sometimes you have to suggest several different courses of action at once, depending on the information you get later.

Things don’t go as Planned

Khayal arrived at the tower, used his ki power to remain invisible, then threw a shuriken at the bird-fiend, injuring it. The bird was unable to pinpoint Khayal’s location, so he was able to get off another shuriken attack. At this point, the frustrated bird used its ability to expel a cloud of oily black smoke. The smoke clouded Khayal’s mind, confusing him. He fled away from the bird, now no longer invisible.

The bird followed his quarry into an area where the party was able to see it. Shanarah cast a fireball on it, but was unable to break through its spell resistance. Lyria cast glitterdust, successfully blinding it. Ran and Mohagin lumbered through the marshy ground towards the bird. Khayal briefly acted normally, became invisible again, and threw a shuriken that missed.

Shanarah cast another fireball, which the achaierai resisted but that accidentally hit the invisible Khayal, burning him badly.

“Thrice-damned son-of-a-whore fiend!” Shanarah swore, “I will burn you with hellfire!”

Lyria cast swift expeditious retreat and advanced forward, joining Mohagin and Ran. The bird lashed out blindly at Khayal, missing him.

Khayal became visible again but, strangely, drew his sword and headed determinedly in the direction of the group. In his confused state he was determined to harm the person who had harmed him last, namely Shanarah. Shanarah tried to fireball the fiend once more, but failed to bypass the spell resistance yet again.

“Black-balled beast! I will destroy you!” shouted an increasingly frustrated Shanarah.

“I know how you feel.” Mohagin called back to her.

Lyria began to sing an inspirational song and drew her bow. Mohagin and Ran continued their ponderous march towards the fiend. The bird shuffled around blindly, seeking a target. Khayal shook his head for a moment, then moved back toward the bird and hurled another shuriken, missing.

“Taste fiery death!” Shanarah attempted a fourth fireball, but was still unsuccessful. “You miss-shapped rooster! I will fry up your drumsticks!”

Lyria cast swift expeditious retreat again, advanced, and shot her bow, connecting. Ran and Mohagin maintained their course toward the bird. Khayal fled away from the bird once again, towards Mohagin and Ran.

Lyria moved up to get a clearer shot, but missed. The bird expelled another black cloud with no effect, as it was not near anyone. Mohagin moved up to Khayal. Ran cast resurgence, holding the charge, and moved to the other side of Mohagin. Succumbing to his confusion, Khayal attacked Mohagin, but did not connect.

Shanarah moved closer to try some lower powered spells. Lyria moved as well, shooting and missing. The bird stumbled blindly towards where it judged the tower to be. As Mohagin approached the bird, he provoked an attack from Khayal, who successfully hit! Mohagin ignored his wounds and continued towards the fiend.

Just in time, Ran delivered the resurgence to Khayal, who recovered from the confusion effect. In control of his senses again, Khayal moved nearer to the bird once more. Shanarah cast magic missile on the bird and finally broke though its spell resistance!

“Hurrah!” everyone shouted encouragement to Shanarah.

Lyria cast swift expeditious retreat a third time, moved forward, shot at the bird creature and hit. The bird moved towards Lyria and used its cloud effect again, which caused Khayal to become confused again. Mohagin moved beside the bird and wounded it, but not fatally. Khayal, confused, babbled incoherently. Shanarah cast magic missile at the creature and at long last, dropped it.

“Finally!” Shanarah shouted triumphantly.

Ran moved to Khayal while Lyria fascinated him with a compelling song to prevent any further bloodshed within the party. Ran cast resurgence again on Khayal and he recovered from his confusion. Ran then healed the group before they decided what to do next.

(End of the third session. I added the achaierai encounter because I had the miniature and I wanted to use it. Its confusion ability makes for some interesting encounters. Unfortunately, it was unable to use its whirlwind attack, which can be truly devastating.)

1st Sunday of Wealsun, in the year 595 CY

The next day, they continued tracking the lizardmen. Near an opening in the mangaroos, Khayal spotted an enormous number parrots flying around among the trees. This seemed like a good opportunity for Khayal to scout, so Lyria cast invisibility on Khayal as he moved up to investigate.

As Khayal approached a small mound of firm ground in the middle of the swamp, he saw a tower with crumbled walls and a platform with a pentagram etched on its surface. He silently moved up to the ruined tower but paused when he caught sight of a large bird-like creature with four legs. The bird did not appear to be aware of him, so he moved into the tower to take a look around. Just then, the bird detected the sound of the pebbles shifting underneath Khayal’s left foot and peered around alertly. Khayal quietly jumped out of the tower, but the sound of his faint landing reached the bird-like creature. Due to Khayal’s skilled movements and a bit of luck, the bird continually moved in his general direction but was unable to pinpoint his location and eventually lost its prey.

Khayal returned back to the party, who were standing some hundred feet away, and reported his findings. Ran recognized the description of the creature as an Achaierai, a foul beast from the lower planes. Based on Ran’s knowledge of the beast, the group decided to do a ranged assault. As the fiend had retreated back into the tower, Khayal would try to lure him out while the rest of the party remained 100 feet away.

Lyria cast invisibility on Khayal, so that he could sneak up on the bird with an advantage, and Ran, so that he was able to heal without fear of being attacked if things didn’t go as planned.

Dinner Guests

As Ran peered at the oddly dressed individual, he suddenly came to the realization that Irv was not a man but a ghoul who intended on making the party his main course! He thrust St. Cuthbert’s symbol at the tainted beast and attempted to turn him, but it had no effect on the creature.

As a hulking undead monstrosity rose up out of the murky water, Irv chuckled and said, “Got a bite for Big Sal?”

Big Sal moved closer to the party, a malodouros stench wafting from his long-dead flesh. Khayal and Ran became sickened from his stench, their faces turning green. Shanarah fireballed Big Sal, but did not kill him.

Unfortunately for our intrepid adventurers, more ghouls moved out of the water towards them as Irv moved up onto the dry ground. Lyria grasped her horn and played an inspirational tune. Mohagin stepped up to Sal and swung at him twice to finish him off. Khayal threw a shuriken at a ghoul, hitting him, then drew his sword and moved closer to Lyria.

“All we waaants is a bite to eeeeat... ,” a ghoul wailed plaintively.

Ran infused himself with the holy strength of St. Cuthbert and successfully turned Irv and one of the other ghouls! Shanarah blasted three more ghouls with another fireball. The three remaining ghouls advanced towards Mohagin and flailed at him, but they missed with each attempt. Lyria moved in to flank with Mohagin and attacked a ghoul, damaging it with her shortsword.

Mohagin began a whirlwind attack on the ghouls and managed to kill one of them. Ran tried to turn one more time, but failed. Shanarah wisely split her magic missiles between the remaining two ghouls and finished them off.

The adventurers were finally able to get their well-deserved rest, setting the same watch as the previous night. Thankfully, the rest of the night was uneventful.

(This encounter consisted of five ghouls advanced to 4HD (without becoming ghasts) and a ghast advanced to 6 HD and large size.)

1st Starday of Wealsun, in the year 595 CY

In the morning, the group headed out, with Khayal leading again. By this point, Khayal had decided to slow down in his tracking, as it was becoming more difficult. This proved to be a wise decision, as Khayal’s keen eyes later noticed quicksand ahead, which the group skirted without difficulty.

Around noon, it looked as though the group had caught up to one of the lizardmen’s camp spots. Encouraged, the group continued on, deeper and deeper into the marsh. As they walked, dry ground all but disappeared. They entered a massive mangaroo forest; the gnarled roots of the enormous trees created small islands in the shallow water.

Towards the end of the day, the group entered a larger mangaroo grove with clear dry ground in it, so they made camp. Who knew when the next suitable area would be!

Just as they were settling down, Khayal spotted a man in a boat not far from their campsite. The man rowed his boat closer to converse with the group. The pale stranger introduced himself as Irv. He was dressed in ragged clothing, with a hat on his head that obscured his face. Feeling sorry for him, an unsuspecting Lyria invited him to share in their meal.

Froggy Comes a Courting

Suddenly, four enormous sickly-green frogs popped up from the bog! They were as big as ponies and had mouths filled with sharp looking teeth.

Quick to respond, Shanarah fireballed a group of three frogs. The ensuing light and heat woke up Ran. “Everybody wake up!” he shouted, “Giant frogs!”

Lyria shook off her drowsiness and sang an inspirational song. Khayal and Mohagin got to their feet and moved into position, their weapons ready. A frog hopped up to Shanarah, flicked his tongue out, grabbed hold of her, and pulled her in to bite her with its sharp teeth. The remaining three frogs hopped towards Lyria, their long tongues coiled tightly in their mouths.

Lyria retreated away from the frogs, but left herself vulnerable to an attack in the process. Luckily, the frog missed with its tongue. She then cast glitterdust on the three frogs. Shanarah tried to escape but was unsuccessful and was bitten by the frog again. One of the frogs attacked Mohagin, who reflexively swung at the tongue, severing it! The other two frogs were blinded and leaped into the water of the bog. Khayal threw a shuriken at one of the blinded frogs, hitting it. Mohagin moved up to the frog with the severed tongue and struck it, but it did not drop.

Lyria shot at the frog grappling Shanarah, and hit. Shanarah made a futile attempt to escape. The frog near Mohagin attacked him three times but only hit once. The Baklunish warrior shrugged of the meager damage and killed the frog with one blow from his greatsword. Khayal moved up to a retreating blind frog, threw a shuriken at it, and hit.

Ran used the wrestling training that Mohagin had taught him and tried to pull the frogs jaws apart so Shanarah could escape.

“Put your fingers in its nose!” Lyria yelled helpfully.

“I can’t find its nose!” an exasperated Ran shouted back, as he stuffed his thumb in the frog’s eye instead. The frog croaked and opened its mouth a little bit, allowing Shanarah to escap. Lyria cast swift expeditious retreat, raced up near the frog, and missed with her shortbow. The blind frogs withdrew even further into the swamp.

Denied his dinner, the remaining frog attacked Ran with its bite and two claws but only hit with one claw. Khayal drew his shortsword and tried to tumble up to the frog, but he was unsuccessful and was struck by its tongue, though it did not latch on. He attacked the frog and missed.

“Let me show you how it’s done.” Mohagin moved towards the frog, brandishing his bloody blade.

However, the boggy terrain slower down the might warrior and he was unable to attack the frog after moving. Thinking quickly, Ran bull-rushed the frog towards Mohagin and Khayal. Mohagin took a swing at the frog as it moved past him, but missed. Khayal swung as well and successfully hit. Lyria drew her sword, moved up, and wounded the frog. Shanarah retreated and cast magic missile on the frog.

The frog struck out at Ran three times but again hit only once. Khayal went invisible and threw a shuriken at the frog, hitting it. Mohagin moved up and swung at the frog but missed.

“Maybe I’ll let you guys show me how its done,” mumbled the chagrined warrior.

Ran swung his morningstar but missed as well. Lyria thrust her shortsword at the frog and wounded it. Shanarah launched another three magic missiles at the frog and finally dropped it. They let the remaining frogs retreat into the swamp.

The group let out a collective sigh of relief. Ran healed the group and told the rest of the group to try and finish their rest. “As you can see, the Mistmarsh is a dangerous place. We’ll need all our energy tomorrow.”

(For the frog encounter, I used killer frogs from The Clockwork Fortress, another adventure in the same issue of Dungeon. I advanced them to 7 HD to make them a little tougher. I was also happy to finally get some use for the horde of plastic frog miniatures I had collected.)

4th Freeday of Flocktime, in the year 595 CY

Just before they departed the keep, Ran asked for someone to lead the group into the swamp. A soldier named Gert had some expertise in tracking, so he was volunteered. The group was advised to wear light armor and stay under a light load, so Ran reluctantly borrowed a chain shirt and left some of his equipment behind.

Gert led the party to the edge of the clearing, pointed south, and demonstrated his unwillingness to venture further by saying, “They went that way.” The path was obvious to all but Lyria, but Khayal quietly pointed out where it lay. Khayal took point and led, tracking the way while everyone but Mohagin tried to assist.

The ground became wetter the deeper they traveled into the marsh. Their path was hindered by thick undergrowth and bog. Further in, mist wound its way into the undergrowth. Dark was rapidly approaching but the group decided to keep going for a little while longer. Finally, Ran and Mohagin suggested that they camp and Lyria agreed.

First watch was Lyria and Ran, second was Khayal, and third was Shanarah and Mohagin. In the first watch, Lyria thought she heard something, but Ran assured her it was only local wildlife--frogs and such. Nothing happened during Khayal’s watch. Shanarah heard something towards the morning, but Mohagin did not...

If I may make a gentle suggestion: I realize you are posting player write-ups, but it may be more climactic if blow-by-blow accounts of battles were left to major incidents. The goblin encounter, for example, seems to bog down a bit in unnecessary recounting of every combatant's turn each round. I know it would mean more work for you to occasionally edit those write-ups, but I think to do so would highlight significant encounters.

I agree, the blow-by-blow write-ups of the combats can be a little much. However, I probably won't edit the journals too heavily--it takes time time and I'm already several months behind.

Battle Aftermath

Once everyone was gathered together they asked the soldiers what happened, learning that the lizardmen had come and asked to parley at the edge of the swamp. Once the delagation from the keep arrived at the designated spot, they were ambushed. The commander of the keep had been killed immediately, along with several officers. Marzena and two others had been seized and carried of into the Mistmarsh while the rest of the lizardman invaders attacked the keep. Taking advantage of the initial confusion, the lizardmen broke through the keep’s defenses and got inside briefly before being pushed back. The enemies had just regrouped and begun their full assault again when the group showed up and saved the day.

On hearing the details of the encounter, Allustan frowned solemnly and said, “This is not good news. I must return to go to Diamond Lake to get reinforcements” And with that, the old wizard pulled out a scroll and teleported away, vanishing without a trace.

The soldiers told the group that the lizardmen kidnappers went south into the Mistmarsh about four hours ago and then asked if the adventurers would help. The companions didn’t hesitate to agree, deciding that they would go and try to find Marzena and the others. The Heroes of Diamond Lake packed up their gear and prepared to follow the trail into the swamp. Lyria sang an inspirational song for the remaining guards to help their morale in their continued defense of Blackwall Keep.

(End of the second session. Everyone advanced to 6th level, taking levels in their previous classes.)

4th Freeday of Flocktime, in the year 595 CY

The next morning, Allustan cast Otto’s regal procession to create customized mounts for the whole party and the group saddled up, traveling south most of the day. By early evening the group were riding down out of the hills. Allustan told them, “We’re getting close to Blackwall Keep now. Not much further.”

As the group rounded a bend, the keep came into view. They were surprised to see that it was being assaulted by several groups of lizardmen warriors. Soldiers lined the ramparts and were desperately fighting to keep the enemy at bay. The lizardmen seemed unaware of the new arrivals so the group took the opportunity to prepare and cast a few spells before joining in the fight. Mohagin was enlarged, given bull’s strength and stoneskin, Khayal got a mage armor and cat’s grace, and Shanarah got a mage armor.

Lyria was the first to move up and she cast glitterdust on one of the three visible groups of lizardmen. The lizardmen around the tower threw javelins at the soldiers and dropped one before the soldiers with bows fired a volley of arrows back at the attackers.

Allustan casts a fireball on one of the farther back groups of lizardmen, dropping all but one. As Ran moved up he cried out, “The reinforcements have arrived! Flee lizardmen ... or else!” The enlarged Mohagin moved forward into the fight--a lizardman moved towards the fighter through his reach, provoking an attack of opportunity. Mohagin swung his greatsword and easily dropping him, smiling at his first combat victory of the day. The foes hit by Lyria’s glitterdust began blindly moving away while Shanarah fired three magic missiles at the lizardman who survived Allustan’s fireball, dropping him once and for all.

Another group of lizardmen came into view, approaching the keep from the far side. A spell caster in the new group cast entangle on the adventurers and managed to snare Ran, Mohagin, Allustan, and Shanarah. As Khayal moved away from the entangling weeds he saw some lizardmen in the keep’s stables and threw a shuriken, hitting and injuring one. Noticing the attack, the lizardmen in the barn moved out and attacked the shadow-warrior, none of them managing to hit Khayal.

Yet another group of lizardmen came into view, this group heading straight for the keep from the opposite side. Ran dispelled the entangle, then Lyria flipped off her horse on a single, impressive vault and moved up towards Ran, casting glitterdust on the group of lizardman that included the spellcaster.

The soldiers in the keep fired their bows and managed to drop one of the nearby lizardmen. Then Allustan cast a spell that swapped Mohagin with one of the lizardmen from the spellcaster’s group, placing the fighter alone into the thick of things where Mohagin immediately began attacking, taking out one lizardman then cleaving into a larger one. Shanarah dismounted from her horse and cast a magic missile on the lizardman that Allustan had swapped places with Mohagin.

The lizardman spellcaster moved up to Mohagin, provoking an attack of opportunity. Mohagin swung boldly and staggered the badly injured enemy. The caster took one last swing at Mohagin and then fell over unconscious and bleeding just as another of the lizardmen moved in on Mohagin. Khayal became invisible and threw a shuriken at the leader of the lizardmen group near him, then heroically threw another that dropped the leader. The other enemies near Khayal moved up to attack but all missed the agile shadow-warrior.

Yet again, another group of lizardmen appeared and headed towards the keep, led by a large angry green lizardman who headed straight for Mohagin. On the other side of the keep, Ran attacked the lizardman nearest him but missed. Lyria then moved around to flank with the cleric and attacked, critically hitting dropping their opponent.

Mohagin was now being swarmed by eleven lizardmen but was laughing and taunting his foes, unafraid of the enemy. The powerful fighter cleaved through two of the lizardmen and stood his ground. Allustan dismounted and cast magic missile at one of the nearby lizardman. Then Shanarah moved up and cast magic missile at the big angry lizardman.

One of the lizardmen charged Mohagin, provoking an attack of opportunity that Mohagin took advantage of, swinging and dropping the reptilian foe and cleaving through to the enemy behind him. The large angry lizardman then charged Mohagin but he also missed just before the rest of the lizardmen moved up and attacked Mohagin--only one of the enemies managed to connect.

With no foes remaining in melee range, Ran moved towards the keep to offer assistance to the soldiers while Lyria put away her sword and fired an arrow at one of the closer lizardmen and managed to drop him. Allustan cast Mordenkainen’s force missile on the large angry lizardman near Mohagin and hit, causing collateral damage on the other lizardmen around him and even a bit of damage to the Baklunish warrior. Mohagin shrugged off the wound and wound up, swinging his enchanted greatsword through all the weaker lizardmen around him and then into a large snake that had accompanied the spellcaster, felling many foes but not doing quite enough damage to drop the snake. Only two lizardmen remained standing next to the lone fighter, the large angry one and the leader of one of the newer groups. Shanarah aimed a volley of three magic missiles against the angry reptilian but didn’t drop him.

Khayal remained invisible and targeted a throwing star at one of the lizardmen near him, dropping the enemy. The rest of the lizardmen in the area, unable to see the attacking shadow-warrior, panicked and ran away. The angry lizardman attacked Mohagin, missing. Then the large snake bit Mohagin but the poison was easily absorbed by his stoneskin. The other lizardman also attacked but was also unable to bypass the fighter’s stoneskin effect. Mohagin attacked the snake back, cleaving through and into the angry lizardman, hitting hard but not quite enough to drop him. Shanarah followed up with a magic missile on the angry lizardman but even this still wasn’t enough to fell the enemy.

Ran moved up to the door of the keep and shouted, “I’m a healer! Open the door and I can help!” The angry lizardman then attacked Mohagin and connected--and this time not all of the damage was absorbed by the stoneskin spell. Seeing this, Lyria pulled out her horn and played an inspirational song for Mohagin. Feeling especially inspired, Mohagin then attacked the angry lizardman, dropping him and cleaving through to kill the last remaining lizardman and ending the invasion once and for all.

Meanwhile, back inside the keep, Ran made his way to the ramparts and cured the only injured soldier. Fortunately, there were no casualties at all amongst the brave defending soldiers. The heroes of Diamond Lake had arrived just in time. The rest of the company made sure there were no more enemies hiding nearby and then made their way to the keep.

(I had heard from others on the board that the lizardman battle at the keep was a bit of a pushover so I had beefed them up a bit. The lizardmen were organized into six squads of five each. Four of the squads were lead by lizardmen warriors (warrior 2), while the other two were lead by Kushak and Shesht. Kushak was a barbarian 4 and Shesht was a druid 4. As well, any lizardmen that Allustan killed weren’t counted in the total—if he eliminated a squad with a fireball, another squad appeared out of the bushes at the edge of the map. Looking back, the battle was still too easy. Very few of the characters took any damage. If I had to run it again, I would have made most of the lizardmen warrior 2s, the squad leaders barbarian 2s, and added another level to Kushak and Shesht.)

4th Earthday of Flocktime, in the year 595 CY

After a day’s travel south from Diamond Lake, the five adventurers prepared their camp for the night and then sat down to play a couple of games of Three Dragon Ante with Allustan and two of his unseen servants. Ran was the player that ran out of money in the first game. In the second game both Lyria and Allustan lost their gold at the same time. And with that, they all retired for the evening.

(Some friends who had played in our Shackled City campaign were visiting from out of town. They got to play the two unseen servant’s hand during the games of Three-Dragon Ante. During the following battle, one of them played Allustan and the other controlled the Keep’s soldiers and rolled for the lizardmen.)

The Snig the Axe Tax

All of a sudden, a nasty looking goblin popped out onto the trail ahead of the group, exclaiming, “Halt! Go no further. It’s time to pay the tax!”

“How much?” asked Lyria as Khayal attempted to ride forward but his horse refused to move closer to the ugly little creature.

“Maybe we should do as he says,” interjected Allustan. “What kind of tax is it?”

“What kind of tax you ask? It’s the Snig the Axe Tax, that’s what!” shouted the goblin as three more of his kind popped out from behind nearby trees, firing arrows at Khayal that missed the agile shadow-warrior. The fight for a tax-free trip began!

Shanarah fired a magic missile at the goblin leader, presumably named Snig the Axe, but the magic was somehow absorbed harmlessly. Mohagin dismounted and moved up to one of the new goblins in the bushes. Khayal sprang off his horse and noticed movement in the bushes near Snig so he called back to his companions, “There are seven more ahead,” before becoming invisible and sneaking forward quietly through the tree cover.

Ran began casting an enlarge person spell on Mohagin just as Snig called out, “If you leave your horses and gear... you might live to see another day!” Unfazed, Lyria started singing an inspirational song for her companions while Allustan dismounted and, mimicking Khayal, became invisible.

The goblin nearest Mohagin tried to hide and move away but the powerful fighter was alert and kept his eyes on the creature, swinging his greatsword at the goblin and connecting but, to his surprise, not dropping the goblin.

Shanarah cast a flaming sphere and sent it at Snig, causing the two goblin archers to clear out and hide in the bushes. Seeing this, the goblin leader stood alone on the road and called out with nervous defiance, “I said drop your ... your ... uh ... spell!” Remaining invisible, Khayal moved up to Snig and threw a shuriken at him, severly wounding the goblin.

Ran finished casting the enlarge spell on Mohagin and moved into a flanking position with the fighter. Mohagin took advantage of the now disadvantaged foe and attacked the goblin, this time failing to hit at all. The proud Baklunish warrior was heard growling in frustration at his ineffectiveness.

Further along the road Snig moved away from Shanarah’s flaming sphere, looked around to see what had hit him, and readied his axe to aggressively face off against the companions.

Lyria began moving forward and was surprised to see an earth elemental rise up from the ground and lumber forward to join the attack against the goblin leader. Seeing the earthen enemy, Snig swung his axe right through the elemental, crumbling it instantly.

One of the hidden goblins shot an arrow at Lyria that hit while another attacked Mohagin, also hitting. Shanarah, seeing this unfold, sent her magic ball of fire back to attack Snig and then fired a volley of three magic missiles at the goblin that was attacking Lyria.

Remaining invisible, Khayal threw a shuriken at Snig and then, with a bit of heroic effort, aimed a second one at the defiant goblin leader. Both metal shards struck true and Snig crumpled down onto the road in a lifeless heap.

Ran and Mohagin continued to attack the goblin they’d flanked but neither were able to connect with their attacks and the fighter began cussing in Baklunish as his frustration grew. Lyria moved up to engage the goblin archer that had wounded her and attacked it, landing a solid blow that clearly hurt the creature. Then, out of nowhere, Allustan appeared in a flanking position with the bard and tried to hit the goblin with his quarterstaff but missed feebly.

Seeing their leader fall to an invisible foe, the seven goblins hidden near Snig started cowering with fear. The one flanked by Lyria and Allustan attacked the bard, missed, and then tried to tumble away. Shanarah saw the retreating goblin and fired some magic missiles that finally dropped the creature.

Khayal became visible again and drew his magic shortsword overtop of the fallen Snig, prepared for a coup de grace. Seeing their foe for the first time inspired the seven cowering goblins to all-out attack—they all launched javelins at Khayal. Fortunately, only two connected.

With a well-placed blow, Ran finally dropped the goblin that he and Mohagin had been working on and the fighter grunted, unsatisfied. The cleric then pointed Mohagin in the direction of a nearby hidden goblin and the Baklunish man moved up, swung—and missed.

Lyria and Allustan moved in towards the goblins attacking Khayal. The goblin near Mohagin looked at the large brute of a man and tumbled away to load his crossbow from a safe distance. Shanarah moved her flaming sphere to attack the escaping goblin and then blasted it with magic missiles to finish him off while Khayal ensured that Snig the Axe would never pose a threat again.

Four goblins threw javelins at Khayal again but none were able to hit the shadow-warrior this time. Another goblin went after Lyria and failed in its attack. The remaining two went after the old wizard, one missing and one connecting. While Ran and Mohagin moved forward to get into the fight, Allustan and Lyria continued their attacks, Lyria connecting and Allustan missing.

Shanarah moved her flaming sphere to target the goblin closest to Allustan before aiming one magic missile towards the same creature, dropping him, and firing two missiles at the next nearest one. While this was going on, Khayal became invisible again and threw a shuriken at one of the five remaining goblins, felling him as well.

Two of the surviving goblins set up a flanking position on Lyria but only one managed to connect. Another goblin then moved towards where Khayal was drawing a morningstar and readying an attack as another of the enemies attacked Allustan and wounded the wizard.

Ran dismissed his enlarge spell so that Mohagin would be able to move around more easily in the hampering terrain. Back to normal size, the fighter moved forward into the fray and attacked a goblin, hitting but not doing enough damage to drop the small creature. Mohagin’s face was now red and his eyes were bulging with frustration at his martial performance so far. The party’s renowned glory hound had yet to drop a single foe! Lyria attacked the goblin again and wounded but didn’t drop him before she steped out from between the flanking enemies. Allustan attacked the goblin near him and connected with his staff, felling one of the bandits who were starting to drop like flies.

The goblin near Mohagin tumbled away from him and took a shot with his crossbow but missed the warrior. Shanarah aimed three magic missiles at one of the goblins, causing him to wobble but not fall. Khayal then moved up near this injured enemy, threw a shuriken, and killed the goblin.

One of the last two surviving goblins started running away. The one near Lyria made one last attack and then started to move away to escape into the forest. Seeing an opening, Lyria attacked the fleeing goblin with her shortsword and easily dropped him.

Mohagin charged towards the remaining enemy and connected with his blow, singing with relief, “Praise Al’Akbar!” as he finally dropped his first enemy of the battle.

The group took a few minutes to heal up and Shanarah had a little chat with Allustan, convincing him to prepare a few more offensive spells for the next day’s travels. Seeing as it was late, Allustan cast Leomund’s secure shelter, telling the group that he learned the spell from Leomund himself. The group made their way inside to spend an evening where they would rest up for their next adventure on the way to the Blackwall Keep.

(End of the first session. The Snig the Axe encounter was inspired by the D&D miniature of the same name. It was a little bit more substantial than the suggested random encounter in the adventure. Snig was a goblin fighter 6 with a +1 greataxe accompanied by 3 goblin sneaks (warrior 3/rogue 3) and 7 goblin ambushers (warrior 2). The reason Mohagin’s character was getting so frustrated is that Mohagin has the Gloryhound flaw from Dragon 328, which means that his AC is lowered by 2 until he can drop an opponent.)

(I'm glad you like it. I'll try to post more sessions this week. I'm way behind--we're going to finish The Champion's Belt at this week's game.)

4th Earthday of Flocktime, in the year 595 CY

The next morning, the group assembled in front of Allustan’s house. Allustan summoned a regal procession of horses for the adventurers, each mount suited to the intended rider. Seeing the black, featureless horse before him, Khayal said, “I have never ridden a horse before,” and then mounted it more swiftly and deftly than any of the others in the group.

As the company made their way along the east road, around the northern edge of the murky Diamond Lake, Shanarah asked Allustan about his family but he told her a very little. He seemed to be aware of and not approving of the sorceress’s encounters with Governor Neff, saying that his brother’s business was his own.

After chatting a while with Shanarah, Allustan rode further up in the group to the cleric, asking Ran if he wouldn’t mind sharing his notes on the recently explored Whispering Cairn, saying that he wanted to make a book on the subject. Ran enthusiastically agreed, excited by the prospect of becoming an author.

Allustan then rode up to beside Mohagin and asked, “Were you in Ket when Rary’s tower disappeared?”

Turning to face the wizard, the Baklunish warrior shrugged, “Sorry, I’m not much of a storyteller.”

Seeing as he wasn’t getting anywhere, Allustan changed the topic, “What do you know of Robilar?”

“The name sounds familiar... but I can’t quite place it.” replied Mohagin.

After several more hours of riding east, the road branched off to the right and proceeded past another one of the many ruined and abandoned cairns. The company took the southern branch, and rode for a while more before the hills were slowly replaced by flatter, forested terrain.

(As a former student of Tenser, Allustan is naturally suspicious of any strangers who could be agents of Rary the Traitor. As Mohagin comes from Ket, Allustan tried to see if Mohagin knew anything about Rary or his ally Robilar.)

Here's Harlynd's stats

Harlynd Dorak
NG Male dwarf ranger 1
Languages: Common, Dwarven, Goblin
Initiative: +2
AC: 17 (+2 Dex, +3 studded, +2 shield), touch 12, flat-footed 15
hp: 9
Saves: Fort +3, Ref +4, Will +1; +2 against poison, +2 against spells
Speed: 20 ft.
Melee: dwarven waraxe +4 (1d10+2/x3)
Ranged: javelin +3 (1d6+2)
Abilities: Str 15, Dex 14, Con 13, Int 12, Wis 13, Cha 9
Feats: Track, Weapon Focus (dwarven waraxe)
Skills (-3 armor check penalty): Appraise +1 (+3 stone or metal), Climb +1, Craft +1 (+3 with stone), Hide +1, Jump -3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +5, Listen +3, Move Silently +1, Spot +3, Survival +5, Swim -2, Tumble +1
Possessions (75 lb., medium load): studded leather, heavy wooden shield, dwarven waraxe, javelin (3), backpack, bedroll, waterskin, silk rope (50 ft.), grappling hook, torches (5), rations (5 days), sack, belt pouch, flint and steel.
Coins: 6 gp, 2 sp, 5 cp.

My cleric will worship Dorren, with weather and travel as domains. I have sent charlie the sheets.

Harlynd will worship Borren as well. Will your character be a member of Clan Dorak? Harlynd could certainly use the company of a brother, cousin, or other relative during his journey to Sumberton (even if he seems to resent it).

Here is what I have so far for Harlynd's description and background. Let me know if there's anything you would think of changing.

Harlynd Dorak the goblin-slayer wears the rugged studded leather of a dwarven deep-scout. A well-worn dwarven waraxe hangs from his belt and a battered wooden shield with the red-axe emblem of the Dorak Clan is slung over his back. He has a short, ragged red beard and green eyes that squint in the bright sun. He looks agitated and nervous when he's in large crowds of humans. His eyes are constantly darting from side to side as if he's constantly on the watch for an ambush.

Harlynd is gruff and resentful (unusual for a dwarf I know). He doesn't like the fact that his uncle sent him to Sumberton to deliver a business message to one of Clan Dorak's trading partners. Even worse, his uncle didn't even trust him to do the job himself and sent him with other members of the clan to make sure that the message arrived.

Now that the message has been delivered, Harlynd is anxious to leave Sumberton. He desperately wants to prove himself as a capable scout and member of Clan Dorak. Even though he has been extensively trained in the methods of fighting goblins, he has yet to actually put his training to use. His title of 'goblin-slayer' may be a little premature--he has never actually seen a goblin.

Great choice. A dwarf clan has recently moved to the settlement of Hemyulak and is scouting the neary Blackreach Mountains for ore. The village just happens to be known for producing rangers.

Goblins are a common favored enemy with animals and monstrous humanoids being somewhat common as well.

Cool. Harlynd Dorak the goblin-slayer it is then. Any further info on the clan or on how we should generate characters? Or should I just wait until other people have joined?

I'm intrested. I would like to play a dwarven ranger if I could.

2nd Earthday of Flocktime, in the year 595 CY

"Was it worth the wait?" Manlin Osgood asked gruffly, as he showed Mohagin his new full-plate.

Mohagin tried on the dull grey armor. Moving about, he quickly noticed that the armor felt much lighter than the armor he'd taken from Theldrick's corpse. It feel tight across his chest, he could raise his arms all the way above his head, and he could almost walk normally. In fact, it barely felt like he was wearing armor at all. It was the most amazing suit of armor he had ever worn.

"It'll do," Mohagin replied.

4th Godsday of Flocktime, in the year 595 CY

Ran struggled futilely to get free of Mohagin's powerful grip. Lyria jumped on the Baklunish warrior's back, shoved her fingers in his nostrils and pulled.

"Am I interrupting something?" Allustan asked from the edge of the garden, where the group was rolling about in the grass.

"Uh, I was just teaching the group how to wrestle a bit. It looks like they're getting the hang of it," Mohagin replied, rubbing his tender nose.

"I've discovered some things in my research you may be interested in."

Allustan continued, "First off, Shanarah was asking about dragons. There are a number of well known dragons around the Cairn Hills. The most infamous is Hookface—that red dame and her brood have terrorized the western slopes of the Abbor-Alz for centuries. Also of note is Dhorlot, the so-called dragon-father, whose attempts to bred with just about every sentient race created a plethora of aberrant conjugates. Luckily, no mention has been heard of him for several years and he is assumed dead. There are numerous reports of blacks soaring over the Mistmarsh and blues flying up from the Burning Lands, but none of them have become notorious enough for the sages to record their names. Most importantly however, I have it from reputable sources that there are a mated pair of bronze dragons that reside somewhere on the mountainous peninsula that juts into the Nyr Dyv. They are said to be allied with some of the local fishermen and perhaps, err, umm, Tenser.”

“I have also found out some more information about those strange worms you found in the Faceless One’s laboratory. They are produced by the spawn of Kyuss, but the worms themselves are not undead. They live in some kind of strange symbiosis with the spawn and can not live for long by themselves. However, they are still very dangerous. If they come into contact with living flesh, they burrow in towards the brain eventually killing their unlucky victim. But that is not the worst of it—a few moments later the corpse rises as a spawn of Kyuss.”

“This is what I am most concerned about. The spawn of Kyuss are much more difficult to destroy than normal zombies. Their wounds close up as fast as they can be hacked apart. If there are more worms in the Mistmarsh, it could prove catastrophic to the area, as a single spawn of Kyuss can produce many more spawn, leading to a rapidly spreading plague of undead.”

“I have now learned as much as can be learned from the books of the Great Library. It’s time to start to investigate the Mistmarsh first hand. Marzena, an old friend of mine, is a battle-mage at Blackwall Keep on the northern edge of the marsh. Perhaps she has heard of these strange worms. I’m leaving to visit her in two days. Would you like to accompany me? If you’re not too busy rolling about in the grass, that is.”

3rd Starday of Flocktime, in the year 595 CY

Ran took a day off of Mohagin’s wrestling training to take part In the Festival of the Dented Chapeaux at the Bastion of Saint Cuthbert. The festival is one of the holiest days in the Cuthbertine calendar, the day when initiates formally enter the faith.

Ran delivered the homily at the beginning of the service. He talked about the origin of the initiation ceremony, how St. Cuthbert himself had originally used it against foes of the faith, but that his followers had started to use it for initiates in imitation of the saint.

After Ran’s speech, the initiates began to work their way towards the altar, every single one of them wearing a brand-new cap. As they approached, they announced their failings in a loud voice. Prelate Wierus responded with blunt, common-sense advice for each of them, and whacked them on the side of their heads with his cudgel.

A dirty miner stepped forward, “I never have enough money.” The prelate barked back, “Stop spending all your silver in ale-houses!” Whack!

A nervous young woman. “My husband has left me alone with three children.” “Stop sleeping with soldiers for money!” Whack!

A shifty-looking drover. “Nobody trusts me.” “Don’t cheat when you gamble. Give your winnings to the poor!” Whack!

After the parade of dazed initiates made their way back to the pews, the prelate began his sermon. He reiterated Saint Cuthbert’s Twelve Steps to Salvation, reminding them that they were powerless before their shortcomings and that they must give penance to Saint Cuthbert so that he can rid them of their transgressions.

The slap of lashes was heard outside in the square well into the evening. The floor of the bastion was still sticky with the blood of the faithful the next morning.

2nd Freeday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

A rough voice startled Lyria after one of her performances at the Spinning Giant.

“Miss Lyria, Miss Lyria! Begging your pardon, miss. I have your gold for you.” A badly maimed Fester Trollump continued, “It was mighty tricky, if I says so myself, but I finally got rid of that damnable owlbear cub. Sold him to some fool of a merchant in the Free City I did. Neroff or some such was his name. What he’s going to do with it I got no idea and I don’t care to find out. Anyways, here’s yer gold. Sorry it’s late.” And with that, Fester hobbled off on his one good leg, his head wrapped with dirty bandages.

3rd Earthday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

It started with a rumour in the alehouses, but by dusk it was confirmed by a crier in the town square. Balabar Smenk had bought the lease to Dourstone Mine. After Dourstone disappeared there was a hasty (some say too hasty) auction of the lease in the Free City. Smenk was the only bidder and picked up the lease for a song.

2nd Waterday of Flocktime, in the year 595 CY

“I’m finished,” a wearing looking Ran blinked in the bright sunlight of the cabin’s garden. He had just completed the last of the many magical items he had been working on. He was drained physically and mentally, and ready for some relaxation in the sunshine.

“That’s great,” Mohagin said gruffly. “Now we can start some training I’ve been wanting to teach the group. Many of you are skilled warriors, but we will be in a dire predicament if a large creature was ever able to capture one of us in its grasp. We’ll meet at dawn tomorrow in the garden. You’re all going to learn how to wrestle.”

(The group decided to spend some time learning the Joint Grapple Escape teamwork benefit from DMG II.)

2nd Waterday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

Khayal pays a visit to Griffon’s Roost and the Twilight Monastery. Izefen the Occluded welcomes him.

“I must congratulate you on your recent actions. You have made good use of your training. I saw you fighting the aspect of the triune god. The Censer of Symmetry has revealed that this victory is only temporary. There are greater forces at work that must be defeated. You are to continue protecting the Giant’s Nightingale and her companions.” With that, Izenfen turned and disappeared into the shadows. This time, however, Khayal saw her retreating to the doorway. He kept his mouth shut.

2nd Moonday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

Early on the morning, Ran announced to the group that they won’t be seeing much of him over the next month or so. Ran set up a workshop in the basement of the heroes’ cabin and started work crafting all of the items the group had asked him to make. The rest of the group helped him out by buying cloaks, vests, gauntlets and pearls in Diamond Lake and ordering rare unguents and oils from the Free City.

Lyria starts performing in the evenings, alternating between the Spinning Giant and the Emporium. She makes much more money at the Emporium, but wants to keep her fans in the garrison happy at the Spinning Giant. Her performances prove so popular that people travel from the nearby mining towns of Steaming Springs and Blackstone just to hear her sing. It won’t be long before Lyria outgrows Diamond Lake.

Shanarah is also busy at the Emporium, commanding the highest rates in the Veiled Corridor and allowing her to pick and choose her clients. Despite repeated requests and offers of jewels, Shanarah steadfastly refuses the advances of Balabar Smenk. She lowers her standards for Sheriff Cubbin—once. The corpulent officer is as gentle a lover as Kullen was. Lanod Neff is more restrained. All he does is beg Shanarah to hold him, sob piteously, and ask what his brother says about him. Gelch Tilgast, the ancient mine manager, is another frequent customer. The eighty-year old is also more interested in conversation. Knowing of their shared dislike for Smenk, he inquires if perhaps the heroes would be interested in a ‘small job’ when they have a chance.

Mohagin spends the time idly, impatiently dropping by Osgood’s Smithy to see if his armor’s completed yet and getting in the way. He also spends time at Lazare’s, learning the tricks and strategies of Three-Dragon Ante. He manages to handle his gambling urges much better than his uncle did and ends the month with an even account.

2nd Sunday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

The heroes arrive back in Diamond Lake late in the evening, tired from the long coach ride. before heading back to the cabin for a well deserved rest, they stop in at the Spinning Giant for a night cap. There they learn that the other group of adventurers (Auric the gladiator, Khellek the grim, and Tirra of Celedon) have given up exploring the local cairns and headed southeast, possibly to Cauldron.

(I had run the Shackled City campaign before the Age of Worms. Ignoring the suggested placing of Cauldron far to the south, I placed Cauldron in the mountains between the Domain of Greyhawk and the Duchy of Urnst.)

1st Earthday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

The following morning, everyone was eager to head to the markets and spend some of the gold they had earned the previous day. Mohagin and Shanarah visited the seamstresses around Little Ket to pick up some new clothing, Khayal disappeared into the crowds once more, and Lyria and Ran browsed through the booksellers in Clerksburg.

The previous evening, Lyria had mentioned that she had heard of the Nethertome of Trask. Apparently, the Nethertome is a collection of Vecna’s edicts from over a thousand years ago when the Whispered One ruled the Sheldomar valley. None of the booksellers had heard of the book, but Ran managed to find prayer books of Al’Akbar, Erythnul, Heironeous, Hextor, St. Cuthbert, and Vecna to build his library back at the cabin.

In the afternoon, Ran and Lyria head back to the great library to conduct some more research. The History Wing of the Great Library was much more comprehensive and better organized than the General Wing, but they still had difficulty finding much information on the history of the Mistmarsh that Allustan hadn’t already told them.

“The only humans living within its confines are a few villages of primitive marshmen in the northeast corner. Most of the marsh is the domain of several tribes of bestial lizardmen, who live in crude encampments and hunt the monstrous reptiles found in the deep swamp. Four tribes of lizardmen are known: Blood Moon, Dark Water, Twisted Branch, and Spirit Scale. There are also tales of dark companies of ghouls who prey on foolish explorers and of horrible cockatrices who cackle in gardens of stone. There are undoubtedly stranger beasts than these in the Mistmarsh, but few who go in return to tell their tales.”

“The Mistmarsh has never been completely mapped or fully explored. Before the Twin Cataclysms, a number of tribal Flan nations dwelled on the periphery of the marsh but they rarely ventured in. The migrations of the Suel and Oeridians wisely avoided the dismal swamp. The dwarves of Greysmere, who have been in the area the longest, travel around the swamp and never venture into its interior. Even so, there are tales of mysterious ruins and strange towers sighted by sorcerous travelers flying over the fens.”

“The Mistmarsh is part of the Domain of Greyhawk in name only—Greyhawk’s only interest in the swamp is to contain its dangerous inhabitants. The lizardmen of the Mistmarsh have long been a thorn in the side of the Free City. Decades ago, the lizardmen grew bolder and attacked nearby farms and trade routes. The horrific onslaught prompted the Ruling Oligarchy to construct two new keeps, Marsh Keep at the south end of the marsh and Blackwall Keep at the north end. A few years after the keeps were constructed the attacks abated.”

There were scant pickings in the Geography Wing. Growing up in Diamond Lake, Lyria already knew much of this information:

“The Mistmarsh is an area of wet ground, grassland, shallow streams and hazards that lies in the middle of the Cairn Hills. The marsh is around one hundred and twenty miles from east to west and seventy miles north to south. It has no clear boundaries as it is surrounded by a fringe of drier grasslands and forests.”

“The Mistmarsh is named for the strange mists that linger from before sunrise until mid-morning and again for several hours after sunset. Despite many tales to the contrary, the mists are harmless—their only effects are to limit visibility and muffle sound. The waterways are either too shallow for boats or to infested with crocodiles. Small ponds are common but never very deep. The drier parts are muddy, often calf-deep. Occasional islands of mangaroo trees are just great tangles of roots that require climbing rather than walking. The abundant hiding places for smaller creatures make the Mistmarsh a haven for small game, mainly birds, small reptiles, and wary mammals like boars and deer. Clouds of insects are a constant irritation. In the summer dense clouds of mosquitoes obscure vision as effectively as the infamous mists.”

“There is very little trade within the Mistmarsh. A few brave entrepreneurs barter with the lizardmen, exchanging rough cloth and basic metal items for mangaroo wood, dried fish, crocodile skins, and medicinal herbs. The sale of weapons to the lizardmen is forbidden.”

After picking out her courtier outfits, Shanarah stopped in at the Mouqollad Consortium. There was no reply from her great aunt—she would have to wait a few more month’s to find out she was related to Mohagin’s uncle or not.

As the group gathered back at the Crooked House, Mohagin told them that he was taking them all out to dinner, giving them all a taste of fine Kettish cuisine. At the meal, Khayal nervously approached Lyria and handed her a lumpy burlap sack.

“It’s a gift,” he said nervously.

Lyria withdrew a delicate silver circlet from the sack. “It’s beautiful! What does it do?” she asked.

“It makes you sing better. Err… not that you’re a bad singer. Umm, it also will make you friendlier and more people will like you. Not that people don’t like you, I mean I… we all like you. I mean, it’s a gift.” And then the blushing Khayal just stopped talking and looked around awkwardly.

“I love it!” beamed Lyria and placed the circlet on her head.

(Khayal gave Lyria a circlet of persuasion. Quite a nice gift for a bard.)

1st Waterday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

On their first full day in Greyhawk, Lyria, Shanarah, and Mohagin set off to see if they could find any buyers for their merchandise while Khayal simply disappeared into the crowds. Ran returned the body of Melanius to the Great Library. After being thanked personally by Iquander, the head librarian, Ran entered the stacks to conduct some research on the Ebon Triad and the Mistmarsh.

After scouring for religious texts in the rather haphazardly organized General wing of the library, this is what Ran managed to piece together about the Ebon Triad:

“The Ebon Triad is an evil cult dedicated to merging the gods Hextor, Vecna, and Erythnul into a mighty overgod. Adherents to the doctrine of the Ebon Triad clutch close their secrets even from other worshipers of Hextor, Vecna and Erythnul, who consider them heretics.”

“In fact, word of the heresy has not spread far from these three churches, who keep accounts of Ebon Triad activities brutally suppressed lest the cult gain more converts. Despite the internecine struggle between the Ebon Triad and the orthodox churches, clerics of Hextor, Vecna and Erythnul in thrall to the cult continue to receive spells from their godly patrons. This fact especially galls the church of Hextor, whose rigid faith cannot square the contradiction.”

“Two books in particular were mentioned as definitive sources on the Ebon Triad, the infamous Nethertome of Trask and the fabled Way of the Ebon Triad.” Neither book was in the public section of the Great Library.

Unfortunately, the cultures of the Mistmarsh have attracted little scholarly attention, so when Ran searched for details on organized religions and cults in the Mistmarsh he found relatively little:

“The most prominent religion in the Mistmarsh is the worship of Semuanya by the indigenous lizardmen. Semuanya is a dualistic deity who embodies the chief facets of lizardmen life: hunting and breeding. During times of peace and plenty they speak of Semuanya as “she” and worship her as the Breeder. During times of strife and hardship they speak of Semuanya as “he” and sacrifice to him as the Watcher or the Seeker. Semuanya’s symbol is a reptile egg.

“The Marshmen of the northeastern edge of the marsh worship traditional Flan gods such as Berei, Pelor, and Obad-Hai. Recently, the cult of Wastri begun to gain influence with some of the disaffected marshmen. Wastri is a strange demigod with the features of a toad. He is the Hopping Prophet, a violent proponent of human supremacy over all other humanoid races. The fact that he dislikes non-human races, yet is only barely human himself is an irony lost on the godling.”

(Ran's player had wanted to conduct some research on the Ebon Triad and the Mistmarsh. I was only too happy to oblige.)

1st Sunday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

All of the companions left for Greyhawk on the early morning coach. They were followed by a cart they had managed to hire from the Able Carter Coaching Inn, loaded in a great pile with the recovered armor and weapons they hoped to sell in the Free City.

1st Godsday of Planting, in the year 595 CY

The companions arrive in Greyhawk late in the evening. After entering through the Druid’s Gate, the guards asked them to sign a roster. There were more than a few glances at the large amount of armor and weapons being, especially as some had the mark of Hextor on them, but Ran recognized one of the guards and managed to smooth things over. The guards reminded them that armor and weapons were not to be worn within city limits.

Once in the Foreign Quarter, Mohagin led them to an interesting inn he had stayed at the last time he was in the city. The Crooked House is just that—a bit off tilt. Its walls are all at odd angles while none of it’s windows are quite square. Its proprietor, a rather jocund gnome with the unlikely name of Tarquin Shortstone XXIV, takes great pride in the cleanliness of his establishment while never bothering to repair the serious structural defects. Mohagin’s attraction to inn stemmed from its proximity to the low market and the food stalls of Little Ket.

Freeday of Growfest, in the year 595 CY (Fool’s Day)

The morning and early afternoon of the final day of Growfest was eerily quiet in Diamond Lake. The group soon found out why. A few hours before dusk, crowds of dusty miner’s began to gather in the Vein’s central square.

”It’s the Fools’ Day parade! My father never let me watch this before!” Lyria exclaimed.

Great cheers went up from the crowd as the first of the marchers entered the square. Each of Diamond Lake’s inns, taverns, and other houses of entertainment had put together a contingent. As each group made a circuit around the square, they were greeted by catcalls and cheers. The crowd tossed copper coins onto a stage set-up in the middle of the square. The coins tossed for each group were gathered and placed in separate piles.

Most of the marchers were garishly made-up employees of the various houses of ill-repute who would flash a little skin to get the crowd to throw more coins. As fetching as the ladies of the night were, the most coins were reserved for the marchers who lampooned local personalities.

Lazare’s staff had dressed up as a scowling man in a bright red cape, an enormous buffoon with a tiny sword, and a scantily clad female elf. All were festooned with grotesque bird-like creatures, who appeared to be sucking the blood from various inappropriate places. Perhaps the staff of Lazare’s had made their caricatures a little too subtle, because the rowdy crowd only gave them a moderate cheer.

Much louder jeers were reserved for the Feral Dog. Snarling, snapping dogs were lead around the square. On closer inspection, a small deputy’s badge could be seen on each dog’s collar. The fattest, ugliest dog was wearing the sheriff’s badge. The dog’s leashes were held by two heavily rouged and perfumed men, who walked hand-in-hand and stopped every few feet to exchange sloppy kisses with each other. The crowd roared their approval and shouted that Smenk and the Governor were the Kings of Fools.

The shouting died down when the final float entered the square, then quickly rose again to a new crescendo. Kurlag, the Emporium’s half-ogre bouncer, was pulling a farmer’s cart across the cobblestones. The various ladies of the veiled corridor were laid across the top of the cart, their clothes artfully shredded, crying out in mock pain. Towering above them, an old man clad in dirty vestments whipped them with a crimson cat-o’nine-tails. The gnarled cudgel of St. Cuthbert was clearly visible, bursting through the drawstring of his filthy leather breeches.

There was no need to count the coins to determine which group of marchers had the most. All of the coins were gathered up and placed in a battered brass chamber-pot. The entire crowd began to chant in unison, “King of fools, cup of fools, give the king his cup! King of fools, cup of fools, give the king his cup!”

The chamber-pot was passed down into the crowd, who carried it to the doors of the bastion. As the mob pounded on the oaken doors, they shouted, “King of fools come and get your cup!” They shouted in vain for close to five minutes, until with a sudden motion, Prelate Wierus opened the door and appeared in front of the crowd. Before the crowd could so much as murmur, the prelate grabbed the chamber-pot, scowled, and slammed the door. The stunned crowd was silent for a moment, then slowly began to chant “Share the cup! Share the cup!”

After more than a quarter hour of increasingly desperate chanting, the crowd in the square began to thin out and head towards the various watering holes. The Emporium was packed with a free-spending crowd. Lyria made twice as much money as usual headlining the night's entertainment and Shanarah didn’t get a moment’s rest in the Veiled Corridor.

(This section was the most enjoyable update to write. What was even better was describing the Emporium's float during the session. I actually got a gasp from Ran's player as he realized what the 'cudgel of St. Cuthbert' refered to.)

Earthday of Growfest, in the year 595 CY

“I don’t got none of your fancy Baklunish bazubands, or korazins, or whatnot. What I do have is good, honest Aerdy full-plate,” Manlin Osgood growled, after introducing himself to Mohagin and Lyria.

Osgood continued brusquely, “It’s going to take my entire smithy seven weeks to make it, so you’d better like it when it’s finished. None of your tricky Baklunish haggling after the fact. It’ll going to cost a pretty penny, but as this is on the Chapel’s silver, it’ll make no difference to you.”

Osgood’s countenance changed abruptly when he turned his attention to Lyria and her mithral shirt, “What marvelous workmanship. It really puts a tear in my eye when I see how some brute butchered it to make it fit his oversized frame.” He continued, “It’ll be no problem to fit this to you. It was originally designed for someone a little closer to your delicate size.”

When Lyria inquired about the price, Osgood replied, “No charge. it would be an honour to work on such a fine sample of elven craftsmanship.”