Scheming with evil wizards?! Dealing with an evil cleric?! Obad-hai knows that everything on Oerth is here for a reason but I never thought that I'd be involved with such devil worshippers!! For the greater good. That's what I must tell myself to keep from praying to cleanse myself ever waking hour!! We did obtain the cloak. From that cleric's twisted information it may not even do us any good but only time will tell. I'm just thankful that that's over and done with and now we can get on with the search for the survivors of that dreadful attack on Boss Fromm's camp. Obad'Hai see us through these days and help us to bring the rebels together again.
Scheming with evil wizards?! Dealing with an evil cleric?! Obad-hai knows that everything on Oerth is here for a reason but I never thought that I'd be involved with such devil worshippers!! For the greater good. That's what I must tell myself to keep from praying to cleanse myself ever waking hour!! We did obtain the cloak. From that cleric's twisted information it may not even do us any good but only time will tell. I'm just thankful that that's over and done with and now we can get on with the search for the survivors of that dreadful attack on Boss Fromm's camp. Obad'Hai see us through these days and help us to bring the rebels together again.
6-16-576 Leaving Tradeport The Oathbound left Tradeport after spending a week waiting for magic items that had been commissioned to be finished. Information was obtained from a sailor that he saw Boss Fromm being led into a ship hanging from a crane in the degenerate city of Stye, located on the southern coast of the See of Medegia. The sailor mentioned that Fromm appeared to be a prisoner. The sailor knew it was Fromm because Fromm had sailed on a ship crewed by the sailor last year.
6-17-576 Aerdi Sea The Oathbound tried to maneuver their skiff through the Aerdi Sea towards Stye, but the going was very rough for them, as none of them knew how to sail. Rowing was very tiresome and by nightfall, they had not made much progress. Spying a castle on the coastline, they pulled up to a beach about a half mile from the castle, which flew the colors of the See of Medegia. A platoon of soldiers came to meet the party and the Lieutenant in charge announced that the party was under arrest after he examined their adventuring charter. The fight was on and it was an impressive victory for the Oathbound. They decimated the Medegian platoon, using terrain and spells to destroy the platoon and scatter the survivors. With more soldiers closing in, the Oathbound fled into the night time ocean.
6-18-576 Aerdi Sea The party tried to get back to the cavern that led to the Underdark but were soon set upon by two Medegian warships closing in. The party pulled into a hidden cove and sank their skiff. Hiding in a draw, they apparently evaded the warships but by noon time they spotted a full company of Medegian cavalry closing on them fast. They escaped into the ocean by using Hanor’s water breathing spell and sharing a potion of waterbreathing that allowed each of the party to breathe underwater for about an hour. Moving south on the bottom of the ocean, they deseperately searched for a place to hide from their enemies. Killing a giant squid, they moved into its cave and found an ancient Merfolk holy trident treasure there.
6-19-576 Sea Cave 8 miles north of Firewatch Island Early in the morning, a mermaid approached the party in the cave and asked them to follow her, telling them that she had been sent by Janore Stormswake to lead them to her Merfolk City. She thanked them for closing Dagon’s Maw 3 weeks before and also for killing the giant squid. She gave the party rings of underwater action and they followed her to the wondrous Merfolk City. There they returned the trident they had just taken from the squid’s treasure horde and were given a suit of shark-leather armor in return. The Merfolk King was accompanied by Janore Stormswake. He warned them of a great evil in the Styes and promised the party greater rewards if they vanquished it. The party was given rings of underwater action for their closing of the Maw and the defeat of the giant squid. A huge whale summoned by the King then transported the Oathbound to the vicinity of the Styes.
6-20-576 The Styes Arrival at the Styes and begin surveillance of Mr. Dory’s warehouse. Found out by Mr. Thornwell, another council member, he tells them that he knows Fromm is somewhere in town,b ut has been unable to find out exactly where. He hints that if the party was to attack Dory’s warehouse, there would be no reaction from the City Watch.
Dearest Mother,
What Have we done? We entered to an agreement with the most evil beings I've ever encountered. Drak wanted to kill them right off and I probably would have helped except for the fact that they would be able to help us retrive a cloak that will get me further in my quest. I was injured in this past fight but Hanor, a wonderful little man, helped cure my injuries. i will not be so clumsy next time. We returned to the underground city and I have traded forsome better equipment so do not fret. Fathes' revenge will be soon and I will keep you informed as best I can.
with undying love
Terranza
It's been a long time since I've made a journal entry. I was just so deeply touched at the generosity and caring of my Oathbound friends... Yes, friends. I haven't allowed myself to have many of those. I've always been too guarded, and focused on fighting for the Cause, I haven't really allowed myself to get too close to anyone, and never really allowed anyone get to know me. Now I've learned to trust, and it is a wonderful feeling. I'm still not used to anyone sincerely caring about me. Although I'd never wish Drak to feel sorrow, now that I have been raised, it's actually kind of nice to know that he was so angry and sad to lose me. (Angry enough to avenge me, and have me raised quickly). I guess he really does enjoy our talks and meditations. Silver's loyalty also runs deep, I found. While we have been working efficiently together(both now and in the past), I've always felt that buisiness is business. While I wouldn't hesitate to help cover the cost of raising her (Correlon Larethian forbid), my experience with most humans suggested that she wouldn't necessarily do that for me. I was wrong. Elro'hir also has proven to be loyal. I realize that we are family, but we are distant. Yet he stood up for what he thought would be my wishes, and also contributed to having me raised, when he really didn't have to. I'm humbled, and deeply indebted to all of them.
Terranza is new to our party of Oathbound. She seems OK, but we haven't really talked much. She didn't hesitate to rescue Drak and me from some Ettins that invited us to dinner. She's declared herself as Drak's bodyguard, since he's always leaping into the thick of things, so now it seems that he has 2 of us watching over him. I know Drak well... he's reveling in it.
My dear Io,
Much adventure has been had since last I had opportunity to write. I am trusting this note to a courier I have employed here in Trade Port. This is a free city deep beneath the heather and soil of the Highlands.
I find my fascination with our dwarven friends waning a bit here. How they can stand the eternal darkness. It is always damp, the sound of dripping water is both a near nuisance and a far bother and the reek! The sweet air from above never seems to be able to claw its way this far down and all that is left are the evil fumes sent up by those who call darkness light and foul fair.
Since I do not wholly trust the messenger (well paid or not) to get this to you unread, I must be both brief and close regarding the details of our current plight.
I hope that it will suffice to say that I am well and in good company. As a company of travelers, our group (called the Oathbound) have truly started to work together well. We are able to read each others intentions very clearly now and sometimes, I can tell what Drak or Silver are about to do with but a glance at the posture or a brief look into their eyes. Ah, you should see the eyes of Silver when she is in her element. When concentrating on tracking or when focused in combat, she has a wisdom that would shake many of our elven kin. I do not know her ancestry; but, there is some sncient wisdom in her blood.
We have completed another step in the journey for which we have strived this last few months. I can nearly feel the sweet wash of relief that can only come when justice is served upon the wicked. Soon, you and I will raise tankards together and toast Uncle Eanur's Beard!
In the mean time, look for more letters and please send out those who can be spared to retrieve the survivors of the battle of the mesa. They are good men all. I am sorry to place the burden of convincing Father and the Council on your own. Whatever their race, Boss Fromm's lads have been good friends to the estate and they are worthy of our shelter.
Pass along for me that I will have wrath to spare should they be mistreated or turned out into the arms of the enemy!
Be well. Kiss little Mariya for me and place an ear to the ground for spectacular news from the east!
Your cousin,
El'Rohir
Obad-Hai has given me gifts beyond imagination and belief! Not only was I and my friends given the strength and ability to defeat a troop of the Archbishop’s soldiers who were sent to arrest us, we were shown things that, before now, I would have not believed!
We’d gleaned some information, through the deft and able abilities of our friend El’Rohir, about the whereabouts of Boss Fromm. He’s alive, thank Obad-Hai, and in a town called Stye. Apparently being held captive in some type of boat that is suspended in the air. We were on our way via the ocean and stopped on a beach to camp for the night. We were approached by a band of soldiers, whom we asked for permission to hunt and camp. They returned only to inform us that we were going to be held under arrest by order of the Archbishop of Pontylver via another of his contemptible minions. After making waste of that band of soldiers we tried to retreat into the sea to escape, though not one of us could handle a boat! (Strange, though, I feel that I could handle that boat easily, now. Could it have something to do with the Merfolk?) We drifted until the morning only to find that we were being pursued by the wretched Medegians! Our only hope was to make it back to the beach and hide. It was not to be. For a moment I thought that I must have angered Obad-Hai greatly by working hand-in-hand with those evil beings at the Coldstone Keep, because we had no sooner made it back to the shore and sunk the boat when hundreds of soldiers appeared on the horizon making for us straight away! I feel shame for my thoughts and now I realize that my God is generous and great. In the form of Hanor, a good cleric of Moridin, he sent us a way to escape these soldiers for we surely would have perished without Hanor’s spell that allowed us to breathe underwater. We all took to the sea (what an immense store of beauty and horror this body of water holds) and soon found ourselves in an underwater cave fighting off a huge monster with a multitude of tentacles! Again, it was Hanor that saved us from certain death for our warriors, stout as they may be, were all rendered immobile in the grasp of this creature including myself!!! With Hanor’s spell, a miraculous weapon that chipped away at the creatures defenses, we were all freed! Truly Obad-Hai and Moridin have joined their forces to defeat the evil followers of Hextor. (Oh how my hand balks at even scribing the letters that spell that abominable name!) It is obvious, now more than ever, that one reaps the rewards for fighting on the side of good. The treasure in the cave of this tentacled horror was that of legends!!! A holy trident of incomparable magical ability and a magic ring, named the Ring of the Oceans (as I was later informed by the Merfolk) were to be my rewards. Thanks to Obad-Hai! The miracles do not stop here! We were very fatigued after our under-water flight and battle and were resting when a Merwoman, whose exotic beauty you will find nowhere but under the sea, visited us. She was apparently sent to us to accompany us to safety. The rest of the party was given coral rings to wear that would allow them free action beneath the waves. I did not require one as I had my gift from Obad-Hai, the Ring of the Oceans. When the mermaid saw the trident I carried she informed me that I had found an important magic weapon that belonged to the King of the Merfolk! I was completely numb from the immediate knowledge that this was placed in my hands by Obad-Hai in order for me to return it to these wondrous under water people! Oh how my god has faith in me! To be given the ability to gain the favor of the God, Procan, the protector of our aquatic kin! Upon meeting the Merfolk King I returned the trident and was rewarded, again, with armor of the most mysterious texture. Something called sharkskin. I must learn more of these sharks. We were given comfortable quarters and delicious food and then, the most unbelievable occurrence of all, a “ride” to our destination, Stye, in the mouth of a gargantuan sea creature called a whale! Will wonders never cease? If I die today, I will die knowing that Obad-Hai has given me gifts and knowledge of things I’m not even sure that I deserve!
We now sit in Stye, in a room with a view of the suspended ship, and await our Gods to provide us with the knowledge necessary to free Boss Fromm. Perhaps some of that knowledge has come to us in the form of a City Council member who has given us information we may be able to use to access that ship. Is he telling us the truth or is he trying to snare us in some evil trap? Only time will tell. Tomorrow we start another leg of our journey in the battle of good against evil. Great and generous Obad-Hai grant our wonderful and brave band of warriors the ability to remain stalwart and true in our mission.
In the Styes:
Assault on the dead Councilman’s House.
Death of Drak, search for clues for Boss Fromm’s location, clues found.
Drak raised by Thornwell, City council.
Clues lead to suspect Cult of Tharizdun.
Investigate tunnels in sunken city by old light house
Ah, things with adventuring have not been all that fun of late. It has been awhile since I have logged in my thoughts for the Boot and Trail chronicles. We had come across some dubious information on the whereabouts of Boss Fromm, who in my humble opinion can take care of himself. I digress, we received some information and acted upon it in our usually hasty way and proceeded to “sail” towards Styes. Now sailing I believe entails the use of that big pole in the middle of the floor and a lot of canvass, well our sailing used a lot of rowing!
We did not get very far (I really do not like the ocean and it’s movements) and decided to make for the beach below a castle. No sooner had we made a nice fire and about to eat when a group of Medigean soldiers decided to pay us a visit. They so rudely informed us that we were under arrest, HA! Between the blades, bows and my wondrous arcane might they were soon vanquished to meet with their respective gods!
After a tactical withdrawal to the sea, we soon had to go below the waves to escape. Hanor’s and my spells were very decisive in defeating a giant squid that had our stalwart warriors all wrapped up! I do think that merfolk are very lovely creatures, but not very friendly. We gained their somewhat reluctant help, only due to the fact that our previous exploits helped them. We moved through the nasty mode of transportation of a big fishes mouth that left my clothes stinking of fish! Ughh, I don’t like the sea, but the wondrous rings allowed us to move and breath in the water as if on land!
Now we came to the very foul city of Styes, and believe me Orcs have better hygiene! We located the floating boat of where our quarry was supposedly taken developed a plan that we soon set into motion. Our actions did not go unnoticed. One of the ruling council members by the name of Thornwell invited us to his manor, which we accepted. He was polite and courteous and for once we found a place that did not stink like the rectum of a zombie! We learned that he was not adverse in having a new opening in the council if a certain member decided to leave this world for another. Taking his hint we set off and the assault began in the early morning hours of the next day. Using a fly potion we gained the hanging boat and soon were engaged with fishmen in melee. I stayed out of the hand to hand stuff as much as possible (being very tired of being brought back from the brink of death, again and again and again), but alas that was not to be for long. While the party were below decks Aria and I were searching for secret entrances as I believed that a 6 foot drop through a cargo hatch was not a very likely true entrance I was jumped from behind by this wall eyed monster and it’s pet! Using my Lord’s Fire I turned the back stabbing coward into a fully deceased corpes, and while back peddling from the fish golem I was struck down………….
Death really is only the beginning and I was enjoying my everlasting peace in the goodly heavens, when I was soooo rudely brought back to that stinkhole the City of Styes! Damn my good intentioned friends. Death really is a great adventure and there they go and screw it all up! Ah well they mean well but damn it I liked were I was. Now that I’m back and slightly weakened from my previous magical might I have decided I have to do something about my physical prowess. I have mastered the Art sufficiently to make most run like kobolds before a dragon, now I have to improve my own hardiness. I have met a really astounding person who can fight with only hands and feet. The things I can learn….
Oh Mother, I failed again. Drak, the one I swore to protect, was slain in a fight. I left him alone to help in another battle and he was attacked. We had him raised. It didn't feel right, not the same as when we had Aria raised. What's done is done and now we will continue in our mission to find Boss Fromm. He was taken prisoner from his camp. Truth be known, I feel responsible for the camps demise. I am but one, but one more to fight. I am working hard at being a fighter and the more fights I get into the better. I am also honing my skills at being a rouge, I think that it will haelp us once we reach the Crystal Cathedral. Oh, did I forget to tell you that I was learning to become a rouge? Sorry. With love and respect Terranza
Curses! Foiled again! We defeated the foul creatures guarding the strange, hanging ship and all the creatures in the warehouse only to learn that Boss Fromm had been taken elsewhere. We lost Drak to the fight but were lucky enough to have him brought back only it seemed that he wasn't so happy to rejoin us. He kept this strange scowl on his face and kept muttering under his breath! Something about frolicking in the Golden Woodlands and other strange things I couldn't quite grasp! One would have thought that Drak would be glad to be back but it does not seem so. Maybe we should find out from all the members of the Oathbound what their wishes are should they meet their maker in battle. I for one wish to remain until the evil of the Medegians on Oerth has been banished! I pray to Obad-Hai to grant me the strenth and fortitude to remain strong and steadfast in our quest! On with the fight!!!
6-22-576 Fight through Chuuls and drive off “The Whisperer.” Pursue the Whispere down the tunnel towards submerged church. The Whisperer tries to buy off the party by freeing Boss Fromm in return, but because Boss Fromm was infected with Aboleth skin disease, the party attacked anyway. Manage to kill the fiendish kraken, the Whisperer and the squid familiar, although Elrohir spent a hero point to slay the Whisperer or he would have escaped.
Return to the Merman City, where Boss Fromm tells them to meet him next Needfest to prepare for an assault on the Crystal Cathedral. Party returns to the Styes and cleans the undead out of the lighthouse.
Well this time things have gone a little better, but not by much. We knew that Fromm had been taken to the lighthouse (after figuring out the stupid puzzle, I hate puzzles) located an entrance into the underground lair. Wow what a Lair…. You would think these inspiring world conquerors would come up with a better hideout than a stinking sunk ship that the land had fallen on!
We enter the main cabin door and see that the interior deck slants down into water to another half immersed door. Ugh, murky and foul smelling water! I suggest throwing something, anything into the dark evil depths, but noooooooooooo I’m sneered at as being fearful, well let me tell you something, dying hurts! It is something that I DO.. NOT..WISH… TO REPEAT!
Sorry readers of these chronicles I do tend to get a little snappish when persons of muscles larger that common sense lead! Sorry, but Hell Elrohir learned this the hard way! No sooner had he waded to the far sunken door when he got munched by a Chuul! Those claws sure left a mark!
As I have learned my lesson and am no longer the rash elf I once was, I stood back and blasted the chum out of the lobstrosities with my Art! Anyone got butter? We the Oathbound soon won out, and proceeded, I mean they went ahead and I stood cover fire from the dry deck and a good thing too.
Elrohir opened the double doors and Teranza stood by with that wicked double axe of hers. The next room was large, with four supporting pillars in each corner and the floor rising to a peak then descending back into water at the foot of a large stairway. In front of that stairway was a giant shark with human heads attached to its sides like mushrooms on a tree was hanging.
As soon as the others entered it started to float towards them in an eerie manner, much like a puppet! Too bad my initial thought did not stick, since it was pushed to the side by the thought of Flame that bastard! My initial blast took one of the heads off and it fell with a rotted splat! No sooner had Aria entered the chamber than she came back slashed and bleeding! Her beauty was only enhanced by her angry swearing of “ that fr…. Elrohir, may his ….) well you get the picture. Then right after her came Hanor staggering back frantically flaying about with his hammer, and in his wake came Elrohir 11 feet tall and trying to skewer Hanor.
That will not stand! I am sorry my good friend, but things are a little dire so I have to place my magical fire upon you! Yes it is painful, but may you find peace in Pelor’s hands. Damn! Did not drop you as I thought! Elrohir , stop slashing Hanor into dwarven brisket! What! Terranza yells out that the shark is a fake and is being controlled by something in the far pool!
Ah good Hanor has been able to enspell you to a stop, good now I don’t have to slay you. As he takes out his rope I and Aria race past to find the mastermind of this fiasco. I get to the middle of the room at the peak of the floor and see that the Shark is nothing but a sham! Poor Silver is flailing about blindly……….ooh that was really gross! She slashed the shark into puree and was covered in its rotting goo. She will never get rid of that stink!
I see a large monstrosity just beneath the stairs with tentacles and three weird eyes stacked over each other. Terranza fires her bow at it as it rushes out of the water to attack Aria who soon was backpedaling still having not recovered from Elrohir’s vicious betrayal!
Terranza slashes the fish thing and my magical fire scores it’s hide causing it to flee. I turn back and see that Elrohir has dropped Hanor and is thrashing about for his sword. I place a Water Elemental in front of him long enough for the rest to get ready and we soon drop him and revive our fallen members. As soon as Hanor is conscious he informs the rest of us that Elrohir fell under some form of domination spell.
We fort up and rest. Then move on down the creature’s lair…… and find that the beast has given up parleying! I want it’s hide, but noooooo the rest negotiate with the fiend to recover Fromm, but the foul creature erred! We agreed to a hale and hearty Fromm to leave, but he was hurt, unconscious and diseased! This is a breach of our agreement so we are free to slay the beast. On we go…. Uh, Sorry we first outfit Fromm, I volunteer my lend magical rapier for him, but Silver wants me to give it to him! The nerve! I eloquently tell her to stick it, and she offers me to purchase the item. I propose 2000 gold and she agrees! Wow should have said 3000, but well that would have been too much. We move on and come out of the tunnel to a sunken part of the Sties.
Before us is a temple and we see the Whisperer (the name provided by Fromm) skulking in the shadows. It scuttles back from our approach and we start to deploy in a manner to seek all advantages, when a large serving of calamari attacks Fromm. The battle is on! I am unable to summon sharks as guards, when the Whisperer and the Kraken attack!
Ahh the moment is dire. I try to summon the tentacles of Evard upon the Whisperer when the Kraken slaps the spell out of my head with timely swipe of its tentacle. I drop back tactically while Fromm kills the squid and Terranza bonsais the Kraken..Wow she has attached herself to its slimy hide by her short sword!
Aria’s arrows are still making her mark upon the flesh of the creatures, but my spells are only a distraction to these behemoths. Before I can bring my Art into play the Kraken is dead and the Whisperer is fleeing, Ah Elrohir redeems himself on the foul beast that enslaved him! With a mighty swing he cleaved the creature in half!
Elrohir blesses the temple and we gather the loot and move to the Merfolk city to enjoy our endeavors. We leave back to the Styes we go to recover the soldiers. We decide the spend the night and then go clear out the Light House, which only took two of my scorching rays. Ah this town really stinks!
We have found Boss Fromm and he is safely tucked away where he can begin to rebuild his armies. By the Gods I have never seen nor could I have ever imagined the creatures that we fought to free him. If the Medegians have such support we may need to find some supporters of equivalent strength!! Maybe that is a quest we could set out on. What's good for the goose.....
While Boss Fromm recoups, we travel. We have been dealt a crucial blow but the process of rebuilding is already begun. Good will prevail. I have to believe. Obad Hai keep my body strong, by mind sharp and my comrades safe!
Oh Mother, You would have been so proud. I have once again returned to the fighter that set out to find father. Oathbound encountered a monster of the likes I have never seen. The others called it a Kracken, I called it big and ugly. I jumped on it and proceeded to stab the beast with my sword. El'Rohir had the final blow and then killed the beasts master. What a great site and victory for Oathbound and the cause. Boss Fromm is safe and healthy. My new friends have been so helpful, the fighter in me is almost sentimental but alas the fighter won out. I hope that you are not disappointed in me for learning a new craft. I feel that this new trade will help the Oathbound in the long run. I would so appriciate your blessing and prayers. With undying love, Terranza
6-23-576 Buy potions and gear in the Styes, meet with Councilman Thornwell. Drak gets a familiar and hires a mercenary body guard. Attack and ambush by assassins of Tharizdun, using basilisks. Terranza turned to stone, but restored via 1700 gp scroll the next day.
6-25-576 Arrive at Ballen’s Port via their own folding port. Spend evening telling tales at Boot & Trail office and give donation of cases of liquor as required for membership. No party member officially joins yet. Spend night at Brazen Mermaid Inn, in opulent rooms.
I don't know why the others are so uptight about Thornwell so far he has done well by us. While in the Sties we get ambushed by some lizard men and human archers. El and I quickly slayed them between his sword and my Art. Although it was a very amazing jump El did from one roof to another.
Anyway I am tired of getting attacked, so I hired a bodyguard, Thane is his name and seems a decent enough fellow. I summoned my first familiar a pseudodragon, hopefully with his nature enhancing mine I won't be surprised any more.
It took us some time to make up our collective minds, but when I came across the information of a lost Demi-liches lair and it's promise of a vast treasure swayed everyone and convinced Aria that her parents will not die for not seeing her with in the next few months.
6-26-576 The party moves off into the Hestmark Highlands, intending to travel to the Vast Swamp to look for the lich Arcerat. Within a few miles of Ballen’s Port, they are ambushed by a platoon of Royal Pathwardens, who had a wizard and a cleric with them. The party hunkered down among rocks and made embarrassingly short work of the Medegian troops, using Drak’s fireballs to devastating effect even though the Medegians were spread out.
6-27-576 Using captured Medegian horses, the party travels into the Highlands. During their camp, Raven, one of the vampires of the Heptad, tries to ambush the party and dominate Elrohir. The party drove her off with spells and were then approached by Tantamos, the cloud giant, who tells the party about his wife, Tara, who was captured by the Heptad. The Heptad are threatening to turn Tara into a vampire if Tantamos and his cloud giants do not quit helping the County of Sunndi in their war against the Archbishop of POntylver
My dear Cousin Io,
Although we have now moved back into the Hestmark on a mission to the Vast Swamp, I find myself without method or aid to get these letters to you. I will continue to compile them until such time when I might be able to get them to you securely.
While in Ballen’s Port after killing the Kraken and its minions infesting The Styes, we decided to set out to the southern reaches of the County of Sunndi to rid them of the troublesome Lich named Arcerat currently infesting the Vast Swamp. Getting rid of him will open lines of communications and supplies between Sunndi and allies to the south (something our allies in Sunndi will need if they are to continue fighting the Over King and his dogs, the Medegians).
While enroute on foot, we passed within a few miles of a Medegian outpost and a patrol of platoon strength diverted from their own mission to attempt to waylay us. There was no parley and no hesitation in the attack on their part. So, I suppose that our reputation is growing throughout their ranks. However, if that is true, then one might expect that they might try such an attack either in greater numbers or from an ambush rather than such a small unit riding blithely into our own ambush. This platoon was of the Path Wardens. I thought that they would know better by now. Perhaps today’s lesson will stick.
The fight was so one sided that none of even needed to expose a blade to the air! We beat them back through the growing awesome power of Drak, our good friend Hanor; and, of course, through the archery of our cousin! As always, it was a delight to witness the incredible withering arrow fire coming from Aria. I contributed a bit in my own small way. I’m afraid that unless there is knife work, I cannot compete with the greatness of my comrades.
After staying the night in town, we set out once again with several of the Medegian’s horses we kept as spoils of the previous day’s lesson to the Medegians and was attacked by a Vampiress on the first evening of our trek. She tried to beguile me with her magic; but, the might of Pelor fended her off easily. She changed into a bat and flew away and rejoined her attack a few moments later. I sent a bean of Pelor’s Holy Light her way. I doubt she enjoyed it from the grunt of pain which I took as my reward. Drak immediately joined the fray with his arcane prowess and she was handily driven off.
A few moments later, our camp was approached by Tantamos, one of the great Cloud Giants of the Hestmark! He told us of the latest outrage of the Heptad vampires (of which, our visitor was a member named Raven as Tantamos tells us). They have kidnapped his wife and are threatening to turn her to evil and make her their latest vampire slave unless the giants stop aiding the resistance to the Over King’s invasion of the Highlands! Of course, he didn’t even need to ask, we immediately committed to aid in the rescue of his wife and the destruction of the vampires. Being vampires is enough reason; but, being vampires in support of the Over King brings their destruction into the realm of necessity. The Lich Arcerat will get a reprieve now for as long as this new mission takes. But, don’t think that he is forgotten. It appears as though Tantamos is going to accompany us on this mission to free his wife. Although the circumstances should have been happier for our meeting, I will quietly enjoy his presence and will do my best to assure him that his wife will be returned and the vampires destroyed for their impudence in attacking these noble people.
We will at least do our very best...
It pains me to meet him under these circumstances. I must make a point to visit them the next time Uncle Earnur goes to trade with them (once the Over King is thrown out of the Highlands, of course).
Your cousin,
El Rohir
My dear Cousin Io,
I have not previously written to you of this because I was so ashamed. It is only now (weeks later) that I can even bring myself to think on the matter without a shudder of fear bringing me to my knees.
During our adventure in the city named The Styes, we were attempting to find Boss Fromm (which, of course, we did eventually). However, when moving through the underground passages beneath the city, we encountered a creature that was able to control minds. It tricked our entire group into attacking a lifeless simulacrum of a flying shark and it controlled my mind to such an extent that I became a prisoner inside my own being.
I felt it enter my mind with a force I have never experienced. It felt as if it were clawing its way through my forehead between my eyes. It caused a pain like none I have ever felt. Not a physical wound, though many times more painful. As it entered me, I could feel my own body slip off of my mind like as if I were slipping out of my armor. This alien feeling of being apart from my body filled me with terror, for I began to witness my body moving without my own thought or desire. I willed myself to curl up into a ball.
Indeed, in my mind I was so curled up and began to weep as I watched through my own eyes as I began to attack my friends! The most terrifying part of this ordeal was that I could feel each stroke of my blade. I could feel the malice of the entity controlling me and its evil pleasure began to become mine! As he threw my body into a rage of combat, I hewed Aria and I smote Hanor and I chased them about all to the intense delight of my foe. I tried to turn the blade unto myself again and again but to no avail. Finally, through the cooperative effort of all my friends, they managed to knock me down until I saw no more.
Only then did the creature leave my mind. But, he did not leave me empty in my grief. He left all the nightmare of such a clear memory of the events that I cannot distinguish those moments from any other memory. It is as if I actually did those terrible things! For many nights now out of sight of the others I have lulled myself to sleep with the tears of a beaten child. Though I have slain the beast that did this to me, and my friends have extended their forgiveness, I can never imagine forgiving myself for their hurt.
I believe I have successfully kept all this from my companions. I do not know how they would see me if they knew that the man fighting by their side everyday once found pleasure in attacking them (even if that perverse pleasure was from the thoughts of another).
The nightmares are lessening somewhat. For a time, I thought that only way to silence the horror was to fall unto my own blade. I almost did just that.
I even found myself feeling below the task of living by the ‘shining light’! Of course, upon completion of several deep and long prayers, I feel that Pelor has forgiven what I cannot. I have received several omens over the last few nights that have convinced me to push on for the sake of my companions and for the sake of the Hestmark Highlands. I cannot let them down again.
I suppose that all of our uncles and my Father would say that both the weakness of being taken over by that beast and my reaction to it afterwards strongly reflects my mother’s mortal blood. As Father once said, “Thank the Gods for your mortality, boy! It will prevent your being a burden over long on the family tree.” There are times when I agree with him.
Yet, for my time (however short as counted by my pure blooded bretheren) might not be wasted and I might yet obtain some sort of honor for my family to remember me by in the company of these ‘Oathbound’ warriors.
I will write again soon,
El Rohir
(Current Dungeon adventure being played: The Dying of the Light, Dungeon #84--just FYI)
Tantamos the cloud giant was unable to accompany the party on their journey towards Briarwood. He told the party that if he came too close to Briarwood, the vampires of the Heptad would carry out their plan to turn his wife into a vampire.
The party arrived in Briarwood after a tough, rain-logged journey through the muddy Hestmark Highlands. Briarwood
was a small village of horrible odor--5 large tanneries at the edge of the town. Large olive groves and some vineyards
dotted the hillsides near the town.
The party voluntary gave up their missile weapons and heavier melee weapons to the demands of the gate guard, who
locked the weapons up in the gate tower and issued the party a receipt.
The Oathbound moved off to the Briarwood Inn, the only tavern and inn in town and quickly occupied all of the inn's
available rooms. After baths and food, the party gathered in the common room of the Inn (all except Drak and his
bodyguard, who chose to take their dinner in their room).
Sgt. Wilhelm of the City guard approached the party and inquired of their business in the remote town. They told him
they were adventuring. The conversation was soon joined by Franz Aldrich, the local sage and vocal opponent of the
vampires dominating the town. Wilhelm told Franz not to make trouble, but Franz was undeterred. As Franz started
detailing the town's troubles--lord Morrow had not been seen in over a year, local townsfolk started disappearing,
mysterious shipments of cattle blood to the castle, etc--the inn cleared out. Most of the locals wanted no business with
mysterious strangers causing trouble in town.
During the conversation, and after nightfall, Lord Haroun and four guards walked in. Haroun introduced himself as the
steward of Lord Morrow, stating that he was keeping the town government in order while Lord Morrow was absent.
Hanor Sharpaxe, the party's cleric (NPC 9th level dwarf cleric of Moradin), spotted Haroun's true nature and told the
party that they were dealing with a vampire lord. Haroun just smiled and asked the party if they were here to free the
cloud giant's wife. The party was non-committal in their response and steeled themselves for a fight. However, Haroun
finished his ale and warned the party to leave in the morning. He told them that the roads were too dangerous to travel
at night, smiling. As he left, Silver wished him well, stating "may the blessing of Obad-Hai go with you."
Haroun smiled again and replied "It used to...it used to." After this encounter the party moved their night quarters to
Franz' fortified house, which had silver bars and garlic on all the windows and heavily locked doors. A restless mob of
locals was stirred up against the party at night and almost fell upon the party, but the party dispersed the mob with
fireballs cast over their heads and a timely wall of stone spell that blocked them in. After a restless night in Franz'
home, the party left early to attack the Vampires' castle., taking most of Franz' vampire-killing supplies with them.
The castle was located inside the water-filled 1700 foot deep crater of a nearby dormant volcano. The party arrived to
find a long path snaking down the inside the volcano crater to the castle, built on a ledge overlooking the lake in the
bottom of the ancient volcano crater. About halfway down, a group of flying owlbears attacked the party. The owlbears
managed to grapple Drak and Hanor and pull them off the path, dropping them to their deaths 700 feet below. Drak
managed to summon a hippogriff prior to hitting the water, however his attempts to snatch Hanor failed and Hanor was
killed as he hit the water of the lake. By this time, the rest of the owlbears had been finished off.
Fortunately for everyone, Drak was able to snatch Hanor's body out of the water right after he hit and bring him back to
the path. Hanor had prepared a scroll of raise dead and Elrohir used it to raise the dwarf from the dead. After a few
minutes of rest, the party moved on, even with Hanor exhausted and most of his spells gone, as they knew that if they
didn't take advantage of the daylight, they might not get another chance. By this time it was 7:15 a.m.
Assault on Caer Morrow, the vampire castle. Massive battle with seven vampires. Drak is killed, Silver is dropped unconscious and Aria was dominated for a few rounds before the tide turned in the party’s favor. They happened to slay the vampire who was dominating the cloud giant female, and she recovered and started helping out with the battle.
Drak gets raised, but Hanor stated the raising was difficult due to the evil nature of the place. Silver confronts them and asks if Drak is evil now. Elrohir casts detect evil on Drak and Hanor and gives them both a clean bill of health.
Silver and Terranza argue vehelmently with the cloud giant when she started smashing the castle, until they realized she was trying to get to the coffins of the surviving vampires from the battle before they fully recovered. The cloud giant managed to grab the coffins and expose the vampires to sunlight, killing the last two surviving Heptad members who had lived thorugh the battle with the party.
7-4-576 Finish recovery operations at smashed castle. Morrow family restored to life and power by the cloud giants. Town and giants grateful. Party receives major magical awards and treasure.
My dear Cousin Io,
We finally made it to Caer Morrow (a castle deep in the swamps south of Sunndi that had been overrun by vampires and their minions). Our mission here is to eliminate this threat to open up travel and trade in the southern stretches of Sunndi and help their war effort in the process. We found this dwelling in the crater of one of the volcanoes in the region. Once there, we decided on an assault onto the first floor through a large window. We got in with little trouble into a hallway near one of the chapels. We quickly found some of the trouble we were trying to find in the form of three servants of the former Lord of this Manor who had been turned. I called upon the Holy Power of Pelor to allow me to reshape the stone of the fireplace to allow as much sunlight as possible into the chamber (we made a point of tearing down all the window coverings in the corridors as well) and we attacked the beasts in their coffins. Normally, fighting such fearsome beasts as these would cause me to lose control of my senses and just start swinging my blade! However, I was able to control myself during this encounter despite the tremendous fear I was feeling.
After this minor encounter, and a very short ritual blessing of their bodies in His Holy Name, we began to move again to find a way down into the lower levels where we suspected the coffins of the masters of the house must be… We stuck our heads into one of the small chapels that had been defiled by these foul vermin and then moved into the main foyer with its grand staircase. Here there was a long hall that was filled with statues in poses of fear or battle. It did not take long to realize that they were the people who lived here before the vampires all turned to stone! It turns out that we did not have to hunt down the vampires after all. They all came to us at this time! I suppose they detected our killing their three servants a few moments before.
The battle was fierce, it began with an attack from the great Gorgon whose task it is to patrol the grounds (and who is most likely to have created the current decorations for the entry hall). He burst into the entryway and immediately attacked us with his deadly breath! Thane and Silver’s snake companion immediately succumbed to this evil power and were turned into stone. Thane’s scream of pain was a grisly thing to experience. However, we did not have a second for mourning as Terranza and I had this beast at arms length! We engaged it in battle. I was so engaged when the vampires arrived. While Terranza and I were occupied by the Gorgon, Drak and Silver were dropped. I found later that Drak actually died in the encounter, though I do not know how. Hanor fought valiantly as always as did Silver before they finally hurt her enough to drop her as well.
So, Silver and Drak fell and Aria’s mind was taken over by one of the vampires. Though we killed the Gorgon and began making headway against the vampires, I was stricken with fear when I saw Aria under their control. The slack look in her eyes and the way in which her mouth was partially open and she was panting! The memory of the horror of my own time spent under the control of an evil being went through my head and I spent nearly half a minute doing useless spell work (barely even thinking of Pelor as I brought forth the incantations mumbling like some terror frozen child!).
Finally, Hanor woke me from my reverie with some spell work of his own. It was truly remarkable to see him standing up to these creatures as if he was meant to hunt vampires all his life. That is also the moment when I saw Drak and Silver on the floor. Drak was obviously gone. In the split second it took to see them down, I could see that Silver was still breathing. That moment (when I turned to survey what was behind me after slaying the Gorgon) is also when I saw Thane and the snake as statues. It’s funny, when you are in combat, the strangest things come to mind sometimes… Upon seeing her snake, I actually wondered in what way I would be able to comfort her best if in the end we could not revive her companion.
Once again, I snap out of these thoughts and began to finally take a real interest in the business at hand. I leaped after one vampire and was attacked by another who was hiding behind a corner on the staircase. Even vampires can be fools. With the strength granted me by Pelor, I swiped twice and sent her to the floor in two pieces after her useless attack.
As I swept down to the floor level to engage the vampire wielding a great sword, there came bursting through the other set of main doors another vampire! This one wasn’t attacking, however. This fellow had been thrown through the doors by a now free and very upset female cloud giantess! I chopped him up in short order and took a second to see the great blue skinned lady rampaging I the courtyard.
In the meantime, the beast that was controlling our cousin, fell to Terranza’s loving strokes of justice and Aria began firing her storm of arrows into the backs of the vampires who were trying to form a skirmishing line again Terranza and myself. Facing Aria behind, Terranza and myself frothing with wrath, the remaining undead vermin wisely turned into vapor and fled.
We retired to the courtyard (dragging out the body of Drak, the unconscious Silver, and the statues of Thane and Silver’s snake) to speak with the giantess. She barely acknowledged us and when we told her that there were still vampires on the loose and we were about to go backing and get them, she let out a curse in giantish and began reducing the castle to rubble right before our eyes!
Confused by this behavior and not realizing that the innocents trapped inside as statues could be revived whether they were broken or not, Silver and Terranza begin a loud argument with the giantess who, true to cloud giant form, more or less ignores them. She dug down into the lower levels and pulled out the remaining coffins and exposed the fleeing vampires to direct sunlight. As they sizzled and crackled in the light, the smell of burning flesh and rotted meat filled the courtyard to the great delight of the giantess and much to our disgust.
Hanor raised Drak from the dead after I spoke with his spirit beyond. He had told us before that he did want to be raised fro the dead again; but, something told me that we needed to confirm that. He expressed a desire for life again and Hanor completed the ritual. Drak reported memories from beyond life! I have never heard of that happening before. He tells of pain, misery, and terror wherever he was. I called upon Pelor to allow me to see more directly the emanations of evil given off by those controlled by such forces beyond our normal sight and both Drak and Hanor seemed fine. I will wait another week and try it again when they are not suspecting it just to be certain of my reading.
The clean up took quite a while. Just exploring the ruin took the better part of the week and we found some tremendous items of magic. In addition, Tantamos was so please with us for freeing his wife, that he gave us belts that give us all extraordinary strength. I blessed him and his clan in the name of Pelor (for strength is his greatest sphere of influence) and we all thanked him and the help he provided in the restoration of the Manor and the villagers back to life and possession. We have made a number of very important friends here. I have entrusted all these letters with the giants who have promised me that you will get them before the Moon reaches its full in another 5 days. Please write back to let me know how things are at the estate and in the northern Hestmark. Thank you.
Please urge my Father to trust the Sunndian more and to help them with intelligence as much as he can.
Your cousin,
El Rohir
In case anyone is curious, here are the printed adventures that I've run in this campaign so far:
“Citadel by the Sea” Dragon # 78
Ever Changing Fortunes Dungeon #85
Natural Selection Dungeon #85
Forest of Blood—Dungeon #103
Tammeraut’s Fate—Dungeon #106
Fiend’s Embrace (scaled for 7th level)—Dungeon #121
The Styes—Dungeon #121
The Dying of the Light—Dungeon #84
It seems that I only contribute to the annals of the Oathbound when the direst happenings occur. Let me start from the last time I wrote.
Since I hired Thane, and we moved away from the Sties, I had learned a few things, first dying sucks! Being brought back is not much better. Now I have great companions that I have honor debt to for their valor and dedication to saving my ass and bringing me back.
Events were progressing very well. We found a haven of pirates/ smugglers that lived my kind of life… free! Although I have had to hide my familiar in my back pack (he tends to upset the ignorant) he has been a great boon in heightening my awareness and other skills.
After relaxing at the best Inn I have ever patronized, we left south in our boat then hit land and proceeded towards the swamp of the undead wizard. We soon were rudely interrupted by some meager Path wardens who cooked up nicely. (Must increase damage)
After that we made camp and were again rudely interrupted by a b$&*$ in heat that thought El Rohir would provide stud. Luckily he kept his larger brain engaged and used his holy power to burn the scamp and driver her away. I must say that was a very nifty spell, I wonder if I can make one like it. (note to self).
Before we could resettle into our bedrolls the b@*%~ was back and requesting more pain, which she received. She fled again, typical!
Then we met the biggest, smelliest creature so far! Dang, I did not know clouds could smell that bad! Isn’t that the make up of cloud giants? Well he enticed us with treasure to rescue his female from some vampires.
We set off and came to the town of Briarwood. A very smelly town with a bad attitude. Apparently they haven’t had anything to uplift their spirits in a longgggggggggggggggggg while!
I retired to my room with Thane to guard my rest, while the rest of the Oathbound decided to partake of the nightlife!
I was soon disturbed by the repacking of the others to leave the inn to some crazed profit’s hovel. This was due to meeting the head bloodsucker.
As soon as I walk out the front doors I see a mob of crazed peasants charging the rest of the Oathbound. Damn, burn them in place or scare them? I settle for the less offensive and send my fiery might just over their heads in an attempt to deter them from their rash actions.
What morons! A ball of immense flame appears over their heads and they keep on. One more above and then if they don’t flee, they die!
Wow, I didn’t know that Hanor could erect such a wall! Good thing! We escape to the sage’s home.
After consultation and outfitting we proceed to the volcano.
The ride is uneventful until we crest the volcano’s rim and start down the circular path. We are set upon by flying owl bears that are able to grapple me and take me aloft! My fists start to make a mark upon its feathered hide, when it drops me to my fate a thousand feet above a placid lake!
The stupid beast did not know of my Art! I summoned a flying beast to catch me, but while I spied Hanor plummet I was unable to arrest his fall. Although when his body bobbed up from the depths of the crater lake, my flying beast snatched his corpse before it could sink.
Once things were settled, we invaded the lair of the dead. We broke out a window, and El Rohir silenced the area when My detect magic revealed a glyph. I summoned a fiendish ape (hell v hell) to go through and set it off. (besides I couldn’t use a celestial creature in such a cruel way). Before I know it Silver is firing her bow through the window signing…. Horny hairy man? No… Horned red hairy man…. No Hairy Horns with red ….. Oh Horned monkey with red eyes!
I jumped through the window to keep Silver from slaying my summoned creature and we all filed in.
After some exploring, slaying of the cook, maid and child vampire we encountered the Gorgon (by accident) and the Vampire guild/group/party/whatever. The fight was hot (due to my fireball spells) and heavy (due to the statues) and things were going great until…………………damn How did I get back in the Inn and Why is Silver all weirded out! She is accusing Hanor that he made me Evil!, No She says I’m Evil, but a check from El Rohir’s divine prayers reveal no evil!
Damn, losing my familiar and my bodyguard really sucks.
After a long hiatus, I finally have time to write. It has only been a couple of weeks, but it feels like months. We got a lead on the location of Boss Fromm in the Sties (what a good place for a Stick-Up!). I can’t believe that in a town full of alchemists, nobody has figured out a way to rid the place of its stench and pestilence. While searching for secret doors during an assault on a bad councilman’s home, Drak and I were attacked. We killed the monster, but Drak died. I felt shattered since being under attack, I couldn’t render aid on time. Councilman Thornwell (a spooky, but civilized fellow) had him raised, but Drak sure didn’t seem happy about it. He told us that he didn’t want to be raised again if he ever died again. I intend to work harder at protecting him now. I really don’t want to lose my best friend. We found clues that Fromm was being held by the cult of Therizdun, so we went to some tunnels to investigate. After killing a kraken, The Whisperer, and a giant squid, we rescued Fromm. When we met up with Thornwell again (back in the Styes to purchase goodies), Drak hired a bodyguard named Thane. I guess that after dying, he doesn’t consider Terranza and me to be very effective protectors. While in our hotel rooms, we were counter-attacked by cult assassins and Terranza was tuned into a coat rack… (I mean into stone). We got her restored and left the smelly city.
My father has been urging me to go visit, and since we weren’t very far from his last known location, I suggested that we get that tedious visit out of the way (I love my parents, and I’m a good daughter, but they are always trying to marry me off). Drak, ever the rebel (and voice of reason), convinced me that the visit could wait. Maybe he’s a bad influence on me. He got word on the location of a lich’s lair (with lots of treasure) in the Vast Swamp, so the choice was obvious.
En route to the Vast Swamp, we were attacked by Royal Pathwardens. With Drak’s fireballs, Hanor’s wind wall, and some cleverly placed traps and arrows of mine, we made short work of them. While camping in the Highlands, we were waylaid with a mission to rescue a cloud giant’s wife from vampiric allies of the Archbishop of Pontylver. I SO hate the undead.
We stopped in the vampire-plagued town of Briarwood where they made us give up our ranged and heavy weapons.. the idiots. Well there went all my might! Feeling weak and useless, I decided to pamper myself by staying in the most luxurious room their only inn had. I treated myself to a long, hot bath and plenty of fine wine. After a conversation with a weird vamp-nervous man named Franz, and a verbal run-in with a vampire lord, we decided that it would be safer to spend the night at Franz’s place, so I got all trussed up for nothing. A mob of townspeople started coming after us en route to his place, but we got there safely. We left for the vamp castle (in a caldera) the next morning.
On our way down to the castle, we were attacked by owlbears, and Hanor fell to his death. We almost lost Drak as well, but he summoned a hippogriff to carry him and narrowly escaped death. Sometimes I swear that man has a death wish. Hanor was carrying a raise dead scroll that he had prepared in advance, and El Rohir brought him back… praise Correllon Larethian.
During the attack on the castle, I was dominated by one of seven vampires. I regained control to find out that although I didn’t cause much harm to the party, Silver had been dropped, Thane and the snake had been turned to stone by a Gorgon, and Drak was dead. I was so angry and devastated, I started rapid-firing arrows into the vampires backs… most effective since the undead are my most hated enemy. The rest of the party and I finished the vamps and the Gorgon off. We then met the cloud giant’s wife. What a rude creature! She did smash the rest of the castle to rubble and found the sleeping vamps and tossed them out into the sunlight. Silver was horrified, thinking that the statues of Briarwood’s nobles, Thane, and her snake couldn’t be restored from broken stone, but I had heard of it being done before, and quite frankly, I was too upset about Drak to even care.
When it came to the idea of raising Drak, Silver and El Rohir reminded me that Drak had requested to not be brought back. Desperately, I urged El Rohir to perform a speak with dead spell so that we could ask him, and he agreed. As it turned out, I was right. He DID want to come back. I was so happy after Hanor raised him, I momentarily lost control of my better sensibilities. Later, he told us that he had been in a bad place that hurt, and not the paradise that he was in the first time, so it was a good thing that we did speak to him. I’m just glad to have him back... AGAIN.
A festival! It will be nice to celebrate something other than Drak being brought back to life!! Really, though, in all seriousness, we need a bit of a respite. It has been long since I have been able to let my guard down. Well, let it most of the way down anyway. All of us will be alert and we'll each be taking our turn at guarding the town and ourselves during the festival. Who knows what evil means the wretched Medegians have of finding us. Sometimes I feel that they know our every move! Thanks be to Obad-Hai that we are all together and healthy and can enjoy some of the festivities together. We have become a very close clan. I do believe that every one of our victories brings us closer together and makes us stronger. How strange it is to think that we only met in Planting. Just two mere months ago and look what we've been through together. I remember well thinking that I would never be able to trust these people. How I thought that we could make ourselves a few purses of gold and then go our separate ways! Now I can ne'er imagine a night's sleep without one of my dear comrades keeping me safe while I dream. I trust each and every one of these people more than I thought I could ever trust another person again. I've not felt so since, Ethen. Never will I forget the pain and grief in his dear mother's eyes nor my own thoughts of death. I was left so empty. Those responsible will pay dearly for the great loss suffered there! I pray to Obad-Hai that each of Ethen's footsteps falls on golden leaves and green moss as he travels the great woods of the Everafter. We will meet again my dear, sweet, Ethen. I have thought often of him as of late. Perhaps I feel guilt. I've had feelings stirring within me that I have not felt since the time that we shared together.
El'Rohir bought me a bright yellow dress............
El'Rohir bought me a bright yellow dress............
....and a Barry White record.....LOL
Richfest 1 CY 576 The party celebrates Richfest in the town of Briarwood in the Hestmark Highlands about 180 miles east of Pitchfield, the capital of the County of Sunndi. The locals celebrate the party’s victory over the vampires of the Heptad. There is dancing, drinking and merrymaking of all types.
Richfest 2 Io Seregon and Earnur Redleaf arrive in Briarwood and greet their cousin, Elrohir. They bore a letter for Aria from her father, asking her to come to Rel Astra on the 2nd day of next Needfest. The letter included a fine drawing of Corridan Ferrisall, a famous elven ship captain that Aria’s father is hoping she will take a liking to. Aria gave Io a response letter, stating that she would not be able to go to Rel Astra on that date, as she was busy. Silver wore the yellow dress that Elrohir gave her at the party that night. The cloud giants bring the Morrow family back, but Blair Morrow was not among the statues . Sara Morrow is welcomed by her town. Myradon Parantir, a knight of Sunndi and his retinue, had also arrived in town for the festival. Myradon was unaware of the vampires, but after the party shared their story, he was chagrined that the Sunndi Knights had not discovered their presence so close to the County months ago.
Outside the presence of Myradon, Sara Morrow reveals that she knows her husband is still alive, for he knows some sort of magical secret about the dormant volcano. This secret, she stated, would allow the Hestmark to establish an independent republic, a movement that has been building among the towns, gnomish and halfling communities and even some dwarven mines. Many of the folks in the Hestmark Highlands have become tired of being the combat buffer zone between the Iron League and the See of Medegia and want to establish a neutrality that disallows all foreign invaders from the Hestmark. Blair Morrow was at the core of this movement. Tantamos had cast some divination spells that told Lady Morrow that her husband was not dead, but held captive somewhere. Lady Morrow reavealed that his secret cannot be pried from him by magic or torture, only through subversion of his mind. Therefore, rescuing him was imperative for not only his survival, but also for survival of the movement to establish an independent Hestmark. Io and Earnur revealed to Elrohir that they were part of the free Hestmark movement. The party agreed to find Blair Morrow. Lady Morrow stated that the only person who had the magical power to determine the location of her husband was Kervan Broadleaf, elven Knight Commander of the Knights of Sunndi.
Without telling Myradon why, the party asked to see Kervan. Myradon stated that Kervan was unavailable during Richfest, so the party stayed in Briarwood for the full festival, partaking of all the local festivities. The party donated over 4,000gp to restore the local temple and re-equip the militia. Special services to Pelor were held by Elrohir and Hanor spent extra time ministering to the local dwarven population, which was very small.
Reaping 1 576 Travel to Broadleaf Castle in northern Sunndi with Myradon Parantir and his retinue.
Reaping 2 576 Meet with Kervan Broadleaf. He reveals that Blair Morrow is being held captive in the lair of Arcererat the lich in the Vast Swamp, a place the party had been planning to find anyway.
Reaping 9 Arrival in Herstan, small town in southern Sunndi. Party avoids contact with Company of the Scarlet Hart, which guards Sunndi from the Vast Swamp’s creatures. Party unfolds its folding boat and moves into the swamp, soon encountering and defeating swamp bugbears and shambling mounds.
Father,
As you know, Uncle Earnur and Io have visited me in Briarwood during Richfest to discuss a few of the issues that are being debated about the future of the Hestmark. I hope that your Richfest was blessed with the light of Pelor as was mine. I haven't enjoyed this festival as much in decades!
I wish to use this opportunity of their visit and return to the estate to send you this message in the most secure fashion possible.
I have thought long on the arguments between you and I and I know that we do not agree on a great many things. You have always had the needs and the well being of our people (and all of the people of the Highlands) as your primary concern in our dealings with the Great Kingdom, the Medigians, and the Suundians. Staying the course and standing in as diplomatic a light as possible have been your solutions to the problems of dealing with these people and their very divergent views as to loyalties and tributes. In the past, I have not agreed with this stance and have favored a more active role in fighting the Medigians (and thus, by proxy, the Over King).
With the discussion of the institution of a “Hestmark Republic” to include the entire Highlands with the Dwarves, Haggar BoldFoot and his Halflings, the giants, and all the other indigenous peoples there, I think we have finally found common ground on which to plant our feet. I have informed Uncle Earnur that I am a strong supporter of this effort and will do what I can. Io has informed me that much of my current activity in attacking the interests of the Arch Bishop (and the Medigians in general) is aiding this cause as it gives the Highlands a stronger stance and bargaining position. I will continue to my best effort to support the Hestmark Republic Movement in this way and in any other way I can.
I place myself at your service in this endeavor.
The Oathbound have committed themselves to the rescue of Blair Morrow. I want you to know that I have been told of the significance of this rescue for our cause and we will not fail. We will consult with the Sunndians tomorrow to find the location of Blair Morrow. I will not return without him…
Io informs me that you sent word for my assistance and I asked me to join in this movement; and yet, you offer no word of forgiveness for our past differences.
I ask for none.
I understand now more fully the role you had to play between the See of Medigia and the Iron League. I have come to know that you were right about a great many things. However, actions speak louder than words. As the Sun Scroll tells us, “Let not ye follow only the words of the Profits! Follow instead their feet as they trace the path to righteousness against the long shadows of the World’s sunset!” I will allow my actions to provide you the proof of my agreement with your wisdom. And perhaps, one day when a Hestmark Republic exists and all the people in the Highlands are free from outside oppression, then you might spare thought to forgiving your son (providing he is worthy of such consideration by that time).
Until then, I wish you well. Send word if you ever need me. And don’t ever tell Uncle Earnur that I am agreeing with you now. I do not wish for him to fall over dead at your table from shock!
Your Son,
El’ Rohir Redleaf
To my fellows of the Boot 'n Trail,
Since I last placed my thoughts upon parchment, I haven't died! Yes it is quite an accomplishment, but at least I have Thane back, and Aria's open display of affection has opened up some doors I thought were closed.... but that is all I have to say about that.
After being revived from the dead, I was able to enjoy some of the festival. Luckily I was able to beg out of those asinine religous rites! I know my priestly friends mean well, but they can be very annoying about the whole thing. I really did enjoy the confused, embarrased and flustered look on Silver's face when El presented her the gift of that horridly bright yellow dress. Ha! He really shows his rural upbringing with a color like that. He should have taken the advice of a professional dress maker! I will buy him some fine elven wine though for the entertainment value.
I even had some of the town folk thank me for not turning them into human torches. I explained that we of the Oathbond are here to help, not oppress. They seemed very pleased with that drivel, but Hey have to keep up the legends of us. It helps with further commissions.
During the festival the Lady of the Manor, who seems to have lost her Lord arrived with Tatamos and his Lady. I shared a drink with the misty woman, who had shrunk to somewhat normal proportions, (7 foot tall).
We came to an agreement with the Lady of the Manor, her name escapes me, and later she promised me a dance. Of course she is about 6 inches taller and her dancing was very rudimentary, but still enjoyable. Although I almost lost an eye to her shoulder boulders! By the nine hells!, human woman do make them large!
The festival was almost ruined by the appearance of a Paladin and his lackeys. They showed up, and were only allowed in after Silver and El vouched for them.
After the festival we moved to the Paladin's Bosses home, about ten miles away. We were able to get the general lame map of the swamp, but not the location of the lost Lord. So off we go.
We ditch stiff pants as he talks to the gate guards at the town on the edge of the swamp and we get wet.
The heat is very bad and we are able to convince El that the riverbottom is not the route, as visibility gets to 3 feet! Even with my great eyesight. We get in his folding boat and the ride is much better.
In fact some native savage bugbears (are there civil ones?) provide entertainment by prividing target practice for our bows and spells!
We find their lame village and spend the night, which is interrupted by a plant monster. Although the few hours of meditation with Aria were very enjoyable. I do like watching Silver's reactions to El's attempts at fraternization.
Hopefully we don't spend months in this armpit of a Fiend trying to find the Lich's lair.
My dear cousin Io,
I have already expressed my thanks to you and Uncle Earnur for coming to see me during Richfest in Briarwood. It was wonderful to see you both.
As I have been doing though my various adventures as a member of The Oathbound, I have been recording our activities in letters to you. I will continue to do so. We are currently on a foray into the Vast Swamp at the southern reaches of Suundi (which I will detail below). To respond instantly to me or to give me news, please ask Arnorhill Peron (the Cleric) to send your message through a “Sending” spell. I trust him and I should be able to respond within a day to you directly.
We were escorted to the edges of the Vast Swamp by Myradon Parantir, a respectable Knight of Suundi. He was a great deal upset at the fact that we had found the Heptad Vampires on the Morrow Estate while he had not heard of their presence there at all! I think that the Suundians are beginning to worry that their outlying communities are not getting the protection they deserve (and Briarwood, as you know, is just a short ride from one of their strongholds!
Sara Morrow has discovered that Blair Morrow is still alive. Kervan Broadleaf, the Knight Commander of the Knights of Sunndi, has provided us the information that he is being held by Arcererat the Lich in the Vast Swamp. We had decided to thwart this particularly nasty fellow a couple weeks ago, and this just gives us the perfect excuse to do so right now. I am very apprehensive of this journey. We both know the stories of the Black Dragons of the swamp. Though I cannot imagine any of them willingly serving a beast such as Arcererat, I fear for the success for this mission if we should have to tangle with any of them.
To enhance the secrecy of our entrance to the swamp as much as is possible, we took our leave of Myradon without saying goodbye and headed immediately into the river. My idea of being as covert as possible by walking in at the base of the river was foiled by the intensely murky conditions there. So, at the urging of the others, I opened the magical boat and we journeyed upon the water.
Near day’s end of the first day, we were ambushed (rather poorly) by a troop of bugbears. We dispatched them without leaving anyone to send a message of our arrival in the swamp. I hope that we can maintain that sort of “silence” for the remainder of our sojourn to the swamp’s center. Primarily due to the threat of the dragon population, but also to the possibility of easier detection on the ground, I still believe that under the surface of the river would be a much more secretive and stealthy way to approach the Lich’s lair. I firmly believe that he will rely heavily upon his local reptile population to discourage such ventures with a minimal amount of magical and animal watchers and protections compared to those we will now run into out in the open on the river and on land. Drak was right that the going would be a great deal slower; but, I think the extra time would have been well worth it. This is one situation where I sincerely hope that I am wrong. Saying, “I told you so” will be (I am sure) a bitterly earned victory.
I would also be interested in your opinion of Silver (the beautiful maiden I introduced you to during Richfest…). I could tell by the look on your face that you were as shocked by her appearance as I was the first time I laid eyes on her. Believe it or not, cousin, she is a finer warrior than any of the sword masters at the estate (yes, even more hearty than Bergilad, my Father’s sword thain!). To see her in combat is as mesmerizing as seeing her swirl on the dance floor. Do you see what I mean now?
As you know, I spent a great deal of time as a lad and as an adult honing my skills at reading people’s intentions and moods by the way they carry themselves. It is true that I have had more success in this with elves and dwarves than with humans or Halflings. Yet Silver is truly an enigma to me. I honestly have not notion as to her thoughts regarding me. I could instantly tell from across the room what Hanor thought of the idea of my dancing with Silver and he has confirmed this with his questions and comments later. I spent a great deal of time with her during the festival and yet, I am as perplexed as ever about her feelings in this matter. Of course, I will give her the time and space she desires in the hopes that perhaps one day she might reveal her thoughts to me.
I suppose that Uncle Earnur will have his way after all. Despite all his advice and warnings, I am allowing what he always called my “other side” (meaning, of course, my human blood) to take control of my life. Drak is a lot like Earnur. Whether he knows it or not, he periodically catches me glancing toward Silver (never expecting or receiving a return glance) and he rolls his eyes or simply has that sad look on his face as if my very existence were a sad testimonial to the World as an example of how elvish blood is being mixed to excess with others to the great loss of all… Of course, this might simply be my misperception of his mood… Well, I am happy for him, at least. Since his last brush with death, Aria has opened up her heart to him and they appear to be getting along well. So, I suppose you can reveal to Uncle Earnur that there is at least one representative of our family that “doing as she should” by keeping to her own kind. In the meantime, I will labor for the day when beauty will be mine to freely behold instead of catch a glimse of occasionally from a distance…
See you soon,
El’ Rohir
The festival was a delight! The uninterrupted hours of enjoyment that we were allowed have done much to bring up the morale of the party. So much that Drak and Aria have finally opened their hearts to one another! We all knew they cared for each other. You could feel it in the air! I even danced! With El'Rohir! Our entire party reveled in the carefree nights of the festival. I would not have imagined that Terranza was such an agile dancer! I guess it makes sense. To see her on the battlefield, dancing the forms, is a sight that should have told me that she could handle the dance floor just as well! I don't think that I've ever seen Hanor smile so much! Although he was usually smiling when he was holding a mug of ale! You could feel his pride, though, when the dwarven population, small as it is, congregated around him. I do not know what he was saying to them but their faces were rapt and Hanor held the whole of their attention.
It seems that our concerns and duties blind us even from what is right in front of our noses! El'Rohir's attentions have not only stirred deep feelings that I thought I could never feel again but have opened my eyes as well. We fight not only for the freedom of the people but so that they should always feel free enough to "see what is right in front of their noses"! Not only always looking behind them and guarding each others backs!! What is freedom if you can't be happy? Are you not still tethered by the things which make you unhappy then? Our fight against the Medegians must end with nothing less than the total destruction of those foul beings. They, supported by the Overking, have taken from me and all the people of the Flanaess our happiness! Never, never will I forget the mangled, tortured body of my beloved Ethen and the sight of his poor, devastated mother cradling him! It is for Ethen that I fight and for happiness! Thanks to Obad Hai for sending me such a valiant man as El'Rohir to open my eyes! I see now that the chains on my heart and mind were placed there by the Overking himself! I will never cease to fight against him so that all people may feel the freedom that I feel now! Despite my happiness and attraction to El'Rohir, I have a fear of a relationship with him. He is strong and handsome and good and true but I fear to lose him. My heart and mind could never bear another loss such as that! For now, it is freedom from my memories and pain that El'Rohir has given me. I will relish his gift. I feel nearly as close to him as I felt to Ethen.
I pray to Obad-Hai for guidance and the strength to continue our fight for freedom! I pray to Obad-Hai to protect and keep The Oathbound, my dearest friends as we march through the forests of time towards our common goal. May we be successful and happy!
Reaping 10 The Oathbound arrive at portion of the swamp where drier land prevails and encounter Snarin, a fishing village that harvests swamp gar out of a clear lake. Lord Snarin, a retired Sunndi military man, was the chief of a ramshackle village with a major crocodile problem. Snarin suspected that an intelligent giant crocodile was behind the problem and offered to refer the party to a guide that could take them to the Lich-lair if they destroyed the giant croc-lord, which lived in a swampy mound about a mile south of the village. Snarin told the party that the original lich of legend was gone—destroyed some 20 years past. He said that he didn’t know if the current lich was really such a creature.
Reaping 11 CY 576 Party sets off to destroy the croc-lord. As the approach the great mound, they are attacked by dozens of regular and giant crocodiles, which the party starts polishing off with fireballs and missile fire. Silver tried to communicate with them, but felt only great waves of fear from the crocodiles—not fear of the party, but fear of something else. The party soon found out what the something else—it was the gigantic crocodile lord—an awakened mega crocodile 40’ long. It nearly swallowed and killed Drak as it used its invisibility ring to get close to the sorceror that had deciminated its giant crocodiles with fireballs. Terranza was knocked unconscious by a vicious tail slap and most every fighter in the party was gravely wounded, but they defeated the gargantuan crocodile, taking trophies from its teeth and hide.
Reaping 13 CY 576 Lord Snarin put the party in touch with Tark, lizardfolk ranger of the Krass tribe and former veteran of the Sunndi military. His tribe was a rare lizardfolk breed, civilized, good-aligned and decades long allys of the Olvensteward of Sunndi. Tark led the party to his tribal village, where they met the chieftainess, who told the party of the suspected evil that the Scarlet Brotherhood was planning in the far South. She said that the original lich of legend was long destroyed, but that another lich was possibly working with the Scarlet Brotherhood in the far south of the swamps, draining the swampland and using undead laborers to grow large quantities of rice. She told them the original lich lair was now an outpost for the Scarlet Brotherhood. The party decided to attack the outpost first, hoping to gain clues on how to gain entry into the Scarlet Brotherhood town in the south of the Vast Swamp and perhaps gain information on how to rescue Blair Morrow from the clutches of the lich—if he really is a lich…..
If I never see another swamp again, ... well let me just say only idiots live in this kinds of climate. I have been able to use my Art to a great effect. I have cooked numerous bugbears, some possible goblinkind (Silver and El really couldn't make that good of an ID after I hit em with my fire). We were talked into ending a large lizard problem for a sweaty little village we came across. We marched out, and were soon fighting large lizards, but between arrows and one fireball they were wiped out. Then came some more larger lizards, these cooked very well, and just as we were finishing them off, the largest %$&**^#^@%$ ing lizard pops out of nowhere right in front of me. Damn it bites hard, before it could get another bite in, I made a quick tactical retreat. Before I could return while healing myself the Oathbound had slain the thing. Teranza was down and El and Silver were hurt. No one else who stayed out of it's bite and tail received injury. At least I lived through another battle, and have a new scar! One that goes all the way around my midsection! I have been able to train some more in the martial arts and have been able to buff up more, which I think Aria will like!
My dear Cousin Io,
We have traveled for many days now in the Vast Swamp. I can truly begin to appreciate its name as our journey begins to drag forward like our Cousin Bainor slowly dragging those old oak stumps to the river after that storm, remember how slow and steady he moved?
After so many tense river bends and the exhaustion that comes with waiting for something to leap from cover and attack us at any moment for a week straight, we encounter the Swamp village of Snarin.
Snarin is a small village of swarthy men who are trying to make a living in harvesting the huge swamp Gars. It is interesting to actually see where they come from at last. Of course, the carved bone present that my Father presented my Mother during a Richfest when we were small is what my memory clings to while here. I have found that my mind wanders to such things with naught but drudgery as a companion during the long hot days on the river.
Of course, I also am also enjoying close conversation with Silver and learning more about her and her past as we pass the time. Yet, I must (and am determined) to not allow the impatience that seemed to rule my childhood to ruin anything. I am learning the kinds of control that Uncle Earnur always harped about… Finally. However, I find myself anxious to experience each new conversation…
In the village, we met its benefactor, Lord Snarin. He seems a decent fellow and someone with whom we might allow a bit of trust. He does have a merchant style (very unlike most retired Suundi military men I have met). It turns out that he has friends who know the swamp quite well and he made a deal with us to introduce to a guide if we purge a mighty beast that was giving him troubles…
It turns out that Lord Snarin’s difficulties in harvesting his Gar stem from a good deal of increased aggression from the local crocodile population and the beginning of more ‘organized’ attacks on their part. This has lent Snarin to believe that some intelligence is driving these normally somber beasts.
The nexus of the crocodile problem turned out to be relatively close to the village (less than a days walk) and we soon found ourselves looking at a tremendous mound of muck, slime, and earth from which issued a large number of crocodiles bent on attacking us! They did indeed seem driven to it be something greater than themselves. Silver tried repeatedly to talk to them… To get a feeling as to what would drive these poor beasts mad like this. They repeatedly impaled themselves upon our blades and Drak’s magical fire senselessly ignoring the horrific losses we were causing them. Later, she told me that her only clear impression she could gather from their extremely primitive speech was “Fear!” They were apparently forced to attack us from the fear of their new controlling force. It is unfortunate that we had to slaughter so many innocent creatures in this way. The “force” simply sent them to us without care as to the fate of his charges. This ‘mark’ of the influence of evil bolstered our confidence that we were indeed doing the right thing and following the Holy Light in seeking the demise of this creature.
We had not long to wait the coming of this “force” in the form of a huge Crocodile Lord in excess of 35 feet in length! As we spent about a minute fighting and mopping up all of the regular crocodiles (and a larger variety that came after them), this great crocodile had been sneaking up on Drak under a spell of invisibility! Suddenly, it appeared and nearly ate Drak whole in one mighty chomp! Fortunetly, our friend Drak has been studying a form of martial art and his improved health and bodily strength allowed him to suffer the wound and yet live to retreat to safety and heal while the warriors began our grisly work.
Quickly into the fight with this massive crocodile, Terranza was knocked down by a vicious tail slap and all of us were hurt a great deal. If it were not for magic and the Power of Pelor that I am allowed to wield, I certainly would not have survived the encounter. However, we did manage to survive and to destroy this beast to relieve the village of Snarin and its Lord of this hazard to their livelihood. It is my hope that we have made an important friend this day.
The next day, Lord Snarin brought to us a lizard-man named Tark. He is a ranger of the Krass Tribe and a veteran of the Suundi military. Following the path of Good is unusual for those of his kind and I admit that I began our meeting with him with a bit of prejudice in my thoughts. However, it became quite clear that evil does not rule this man and that he is one with whom we can deal.
Tark led us through many back ways and secret paths deep into the Vast Swamp. As the days turned into weeks, our only comfort was in the companion ship and the shared dread and discomfort that seem to bring comrades in arms together.
Tark led us finally to his village and to his chief. This very large female she-lizard informed us of much of the evil taking place to the south among the Scarlet Brotherhood. We discovered that they are attempting to drain the Swamp and are growing crops in the quantities that are usually meant to feed an army. Could the Scarlet Brotherhood be preparing to invade Suundi from the south as the Over King is planning to come in from the north?
She also spoke about the Lich of the Swamp (our original target on this quest). Apparently, the Lich of the legends was destroyed (or is reported to have been destroyed) long ago. However, she claims that possibly another Lich is working with the Scarlet Brotherhood using undead creatures and people to farm the rice that they are planting in quantity. She claims that the original lair of the Lich of old is now an outpost of the Brotherhood with the new beast settled in farther south.
We have decided to take on the outpost first to see what information we can get from the survivors of that coming battle.
We are anticipating a rough time with this one. This might be my last letter you my dear cousin. I will entrust these letters to Silver. If it is she who delivers them, please see that she has all she needs and bless her, for my spirit will be following her closely should it be forced from my body in this terrible place.
Your Cousin,
El’ Rohir
I feel that the weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders! Obad-Hai himself must have sent El'Rohir to me! To be able to speak to someone about what I've kept inside for so long has given me new strength! I never thought that I would find someone that I could share such deep, emotional feelings with! As difficult as the road ahead of us is, I feel a renewed strength! Our togetherness has done much for me in body and spirit. I enjoy catching his eye and catching him as he is eyeing me. It's as if I've been reborn. The emotion on El's face as I told him Ethen's story! It was almost as if he was there. He and I share such a deep obligation to fulfill our quest! I believe that fate brought us together and I can't describe my elation! El and I, together with our stalwart companions will do everything we can to rid the world of the repulsive growth that is the Archbishop of Pntylver and his Medegian dogs! Thanks to Obad-Hai for such a person to enter my life. May we always be as blessed by the Gods as we are now.
If I didn't already have this awesome fish skin armor I would skin that damn croc and use his skin to protect me. What an ironic twist for the poor old devil, I mean that litteratly. Our path has taken us elswhere but I will never forget why I am away form my family and friends. Iwill defend the honor of my father.
17 CY 576 The lizardfolk chieftainess introduced the party to Wulfhere, a Snow Barbarian who told the party about his escape from the Scarlet Brotherhood after his diplomatic mission was ambushed after refusing to become embroiled in the Brotherhood’s plots. Wulfhere had fled into the swamps, losing the rest of his companions in the process. Wulfhere was invited to join the quest to free Blair Morrow.
Led by the lizardfolk ranger, the party arrived near a burial mound with gravestones that rose slightly out of the mucky swamp all around it. Closing in on their target, the party destroyed an orcish bunkhouse and took down three Scarlet Brotherhood members, including two thieves and an elusive monk. They found notes in Suel that described patrolling activities in the area.
Finding a hidden secret entrance at the base of the burial mound, the party decided to enter by crawling on their bellies and worming their way in. During the crawling trek, an undead spellcaster, gaunt, drawn and wearing a tattered robe with Sueloise runes on it managed to get into the party and successfully dominate Drak. The cramped environment made it difficult for the party to beat Drak down with non-lethal attacks, but they managed to keep him from killing the rest of the party. They pulled him out of the narrow caves and fled into the swamps to recover. Eventually, a dispel magic spell managed to take the domination off Drak, but the party found out about his fiendish secret.
Apparently when Drak died in the Styes, the party took him to Councilman Thornwell to get raised from the dead. In order to get raised, Thornwell forced Drak to accept Asmodeus as his overlord and Drak came back with the traits of a fiend, although he still showed no outward physical signs. There was much argument and discussion, but Hanor stated that Drak had saved him from death and had saved the whole rest of the party many times since then. Hanor also stated that his detect evil spells found no evil on Drak and that Councilman Thornwell had also expressed a desire to kill the Archbishop of Pontylver. Drak had also discussed atonement with Hanor after Drak died a second time and Hanor raised him from the dead (and found out that Drak was fiendish). Drak said that he died and went to hell and didn’t care for it, so that’s why he wanted to try to atone for his fiendish state. Hanor said atonement was only possible because Drak had been coerced into accepting his fate by Thornwell, who would not have raised him from the dead had he not. The party gave Drak his weapons back.
18 CY 576 Attack on the burial mound and caverns below. The party faced deadly traps and multiple ambushes by the Suel lich and things were touch and go for a little while, but they managed to destroy the creature and uncover in his notes that Blair Morrow had been moved to a hill valley to the east, in custody of another undead creature that the Suel Lich had been communicating with. They also found out that this unique creature they had destroyed was the lich form of an ancient Suel wizard who had pariticpated in the war that brought on the Rain of Colorless Fire.
19 CY 576
My dear Cousin Io,
As you well know, this mission into the Vast Swamp has filled me with trepidation. I have spent numerous sleepless nights in consideration for the safety of Silver and my other companions on this trek. Despite this, I am beginning to feel more confident both in my companions and myself. This is due, in part, to our activities over the course of the last few days…
When we left the lizard folk’s village, the Chieftain introduced us to a man named Wulfhere. He is a Snow Warrior from the same region as my friends Argus and his Snow Warriors! It turns out that we know a number of the same folk and his news of them was all filled with woe. It appears that ours is not the only peaceful region being subjected to the oppressive evil of the Over King and his various dogs.
Wulfhere’s diplomatic mission to the Scarlet Brotherhood was ambushed and he learned a lot of really good intelligence about their activities to the south of the swamp (we will have discussed this with Sending spells by the time you get this, so I will not go into detail here). He decided to join up with us in our attempt to free Blair Morrow from the clutches of the Lich.
A Lizardman Ranger led us to within a mile or so of the outpost which was serving as the Lich’s lair. It was a huge burial mound with a mausoleum at its peak and surface burials all around. As we edged closer, we found a bunkhouse for a bunch of Orc sentries. We destroyed them in short order along with their squad leadership of three members of the Scarlet Brotherhood (they were not so easy to dispatch). We found some orders and notes that described the patrolling patterns in this area (which will come in handy very soon) written in the language of the Suel.
So, it is confirmed, the Scarlet Brotherhood is in the middle of the process of building a huge army and preparing to advance, probably against the Sunndi. We know from what Wulfhere told us that they are recruiting the barbarian warrior peoples from several regions and they are creating undead creatures of unknown types to do all their slave labor (like farming and other meanial tasks). Whether or not the Brotherhood is doing this in concert with the Over King or simply taking advantage of an opportunity to take the Sunndians whilst they are looking north, I can not say at this time. I will endeavor to find more.
Upon reaching the mound itself, we found a small cave entrance hidden in the base of the mound and decided to try entering that way rather than try to crash through the front door. We had to low crawl and we soon found ourselves in a terrible way when the Lich appeared and wove a spell of domination over Drak! Drak being a rather powerful Fire Sorcerer, you can imagine why we immediately fell into chaos!
We had to attempt to render him unconscious as quickly as possible. The scene was utterly bizarre and, I imagine, would have been somewhat comical to watch (as I am sure that Lich bastard was doing). We were all crawling back and forth attempting to grapple and pin Drak while I spent nearly a minute hitting him in the head to little effect. All during this process, he used his spells and wand to send a burning fire right through all of us! As you well know, my greatest fear is being controlled by another being. Ever since our encounter with the Kraken in the Styes and the way its minion caused me to hurt Silver and Hanor, I live in dread of this happening again. I have sought for wisdom and knowledge from The Holy One and it seems that I am as yet unworthy of a more direct answer. I must find a way to protect myself and my friends from possession as soon as it may be found.
Once released from the bonds of the Lich’s controlling force, we finally found the answers to the riddles surrounding Drak. When we trusted Counselman Thornwell in the Styes, we made a terrible mistake that may have cost Drak his soul. I now spend every day meditating on this and asking Pelor for guidance in finding a way to save my friend from this doom in which I helped to place him. Drak now has features of a fiendish nature (explaining why my blows did little to affect him). He is now a servant of one of the greatest abominations to ever be allowed amoung the Gods, Asmodeus. The Oathbound are worried; but, Drak has saved us all and remains (outwardly) Drak and we caused this to happen to him. I must stand by him and aid him if I can.
The next day, we made our assault on the tomb on the mound. We ran afoul of several rather nasty and terrible traps set for us. The Suel Lich made numerous hit and run attacks upon us until we finally cornered him. Hanor summoned to our aid a great Elven spirit warrior who dealt the killing blow.
In the aftermath of the battle, we found a great deal of information that might prove useful. This Suel Lich was an ancient Suel Wizard who participated directly in the Rain of Colorless Fire! The World was greatly served today with his demise.
We also found that Blair Morrow was here at one point, but was moved to a sheltered valley nearby. He has been placed into the custody of another dreadful creature with whom this Lich was in communication (perhaps even in the servitude of). This next mission promises to be in more fortified terrain and under a great deal more guard.
My supposition is that this Suel Lich (as ancient and as powerful as he was) is merely a servant of the primary force guiding or controlling the Scarlet Brotherhood in their quest for domination of the World. The Suel Lich came very close to ending our existence. I fear that this next adventure will not go without the loss of some of my comrades.
After experiencing this level of action and our group, Wulfhere decided to take his leave of us. I do not understand why; but, I can not blame him. He is not from here and has no stake or devotion to any of the local people or ground upon which we walk under the Sun. I hope that he finds a bright future wherever his travels take him.
I continue in my devotions to Pelor and to spread His light upon the World. I will expose this new force of undead power to that Holy Light or I will die trying. I hope that you get these letters, cousin. And I hope that our quest for a free Hestmark becomes truth. Please tell my Father that I am looking forward to our next meeting. And, tell Uncle Earnur to compose a victory song for us!
Your cousin,
El Rohir
We acquired a new pet, a barbaric individual by the name of Wulfhere. He apparently did not take to me or Aria, and I kept a spell readied for anything he may have pulled. I did not trust him at first sight, and smell!
The Oathbound ventured forth once again into the swamp, leaving the scaly ones behind. We find the outposts of the enemy by pure Happ-enstance! As we were squelching our way in, we detected the sounds of battle to our left! The scouts led and we followed.
Aria and Silver soon found an outpost of orcs, and the fighting was between two of the scum, in foreplay. They were being grunted on by the others and we set up a plan. The others would get in close and wait for me to start the festivities with my signature calling card… a great ball of fire!
Hanor, Thane and I wait back about 300 feet from the orc camp as the others sneak through the knee high grass, moving from bush to tree, or tree to bush however they get in close. Tarranza gives me the signal! I start my incantation and OW, zzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
Damn I awake with Hanor looming over me. I soon find out from my bodyguard Thane that I and Hannor were ambushed by some sneaking human painted scum that likes to use a sleep poison! (Damn good idea, they must have stolen it from the drow.)
I soon find out that the Orc battle is over before I can participate. We move on and find a suitable spot that we hide out while Elrohir jaunts off on an invisible flight to scout out the defenses of the enemy. In no time, he returns, running! I look for what is chasing his half-breed ass, but see nothing. The reason why, there is nothing chasing him! My bad, but by the seven heavens and nine hells he sure had the look of being chased! He reports that there is no activity. We proceed ahead and find a bunch of tracks and drag marks at the base of a hill. This causes the rangers to get all giggly and excited. (Well the humans do, Aria my Evenstar has better sense) start a long conversation over the properties of sand/dirt and the way it lays and is moved and how long before impression fade and blah blah blah! I have to interrupt and tell them, “My dear ladies, there is most likely a tunnel above under the under hang, and the cause of the slide, and steps is that of creatures tumbling or sliding out of it. So I suggest one of you stealthily types go up and check.
AH HA a secret tunnel! It is about 10 feet wide, but only three feet high with a floor of slimy mud. As we are discussing the merits of exploring this find, I get the matter moving by stating “Damn it this tunnel has to be explored!” and begin to climb up to enter the tunnel, but Silver’s indignant response stops me. She explains in a voice that is almost, but not quit Elvish in lilt and tone that she had decided to explore, but was deterred by other topics of conversation! Either way, when she saw that the tunnel was so low, she responded positively to my suggestion of sending in her pet, the eight foot long emergency trail ration. Or as I like to call it, “hiss-a-bob”!
The moving ration comes back with a story of how the tunnel is blocked. Aria my brave Elvenstar goes in and soon finds out that the blockage is an illusion, but trapped.
Tarranza goes in with a rope tied to her ankle (at my suggestion) in case she sets the trap off and it is one of those squishing ones. Of course, she sets the trap off, (she really is an amazing fighter, but an abysmal rouge) that sounds the alarm and douses some acid upon her arms. She takes the pain very well, by only blurting “damn it! This is like that time I ate those Mephit Red peppers! We crawl in! Of course we do this in the most heroic fashion, meaing those in front fling mud on those behind!
Whoa! An apparition appears next to me, and what a reasonable fellow he is! YES! I agree the rest of my companions must die and NOW. Damn them I am so tired of their ear snipes and short jokes, Taste my POWER! Ow! Damn it, Elrohir smacked my spell right out my head!
The fight is on! We tussle and bite and scratch and roll all about. I get my wand of burning hands out and flame Elrohir and Silver. HA I love it! By the nine hells, Silver and Wulfhere have me in their grasp. Ah, fire does not harm me like these soft creatures, I engulf us all with my wand! I do it again and again and…….
Why am I stripped to my small clothes and back outside? And why is every one looking at me like I’m the cause of Tarranza swamp rot?
Oh s&&&! Hanor gave up my secret. Okay I have a small problem with being tainted with a fiendish quality since I was brought back from the halls of my Elvin God. You dumb asses you used a disciple of Asmodeas to raise me, and I became tainted with their evil. When I came aware of my status, I couldn’t tell the party all at once. Silver the Queen of Overreaction and emotion would have started slicing my hide before I could defend myself, and Elrohir would have followed his sweethearts move. So I planned to let my condition be known slowly and discreetly. Well the fiend is out of the bag now, so Silver and Elrohir needed some reassuring that I was not evil, but tainted by evil. I am still their boon companion and am the same Drak they knew before of course Aria and Hanor backed me up like true boon companions. ( I do think that Thane likes it, by the way are my teeth getting pointier?)
We got over my fiendish taint and set off for the mausoleum by passing that screwed up tunnel. We met some nice fellows who were completely tattooed up and angry. A fire ball, two scorching rays upheld my part of the fight. Apparently these savages were some relation to Wulfhere who had a moment of crises and fled like a little hairy and stinky faerie.
While we still had our spell defense up we went to the mausoleum. The doors opened and we could see a stairwell leading down through what was supposed to be a coffin.
As we all trundle in like good sheep the bastard who dominated me pops up and freezes us all but Silver, who begins to slice and dice his happy ass. I and Elrohir break free from the enchantment just in time to see the undead wizard thing disappear.
We wait a few minutes and the enchantment wears off of the others. We go down and Silver finds a trapped step. She’s about the step past the trap, but my shout pulls her back. “There may be a trap past the obvious pressure plate trap, Let Terranza use her skills to defeat this” (Well let her try…) Terranza squeezes past Silver and pulls her tools out to apply her secondary trade. “SNICK” is heard by all… “Guys, I think something happened!” Terranza stated and Silver goes running outside and soon returns with a grave stone. She drops it past Terranza and as soon as the stone bounds past the pressure plate the next step dissolves revealing a spiked pit trap.
Silver is not very receptive to my “your welcome” quip, but then she never is…..
TO BE CONTINUED
Sometimes I feel that evil has overtaken more of the lands than we cold ever know! To fight an evil lich! The memory of his visage repulses me! And now, to find that our companion has been tainted by the touch of evil and is now connected to Asmodeus of all the Gods!!!! Deep down I know that Drak is not an evil being. He is a stalwart companion who has showed his honor (much to his chagrin) and loyalty time and again but now he is tainted with fiendish traits because of our impatience. Why, oh why, did we rush so?! We could have gone back to the merfolk! We chose to find a quick solution instead of a safe one! Obad'Hai, I am unworthy of the gifts that you've bestowed upon me! I have always felt you in my heart and followed your ways! If I had taken some time to meditate and pray for your guidance, I'm sure that we would have chosen correctly! Drak has never been an overly faithful follower of any God but now we've let him slip in the direction of evil. Is he strong enough to fight the temptation? I hope so but am unsure. He appears to enjoy and look forward to the changes that he is going through. No doubt that these changes are beneficial to our party as long as he is loyal and true! He resists the damage that fire causes and appears to be stronger than he was before. El'Rohir had to beat him relentlessly to overcome him when he was possessed and under the control of that lich!! With Drak's power (and a little room!) he could really deal us some damage! I can only hope that our friendship and Aria's love can keep Drak's feet on the right path. Drak has never been in it for the good of the world but there is a lot of treasure to be had out there and he's most definitely in it for that! I won't judge. With the guidance of Obad'Hai and the work ahead of us we may be able to keep Drak busy enough to forget about growing horns or a tail or developing red, glowing eyes! I shudder at the thought!
Poor Hanor to have had to keep that secret for such a long time. At first I was angry! I didn't understand how someone could be tainted by evil and not actually be evil. Hanor has somewhat calmed my fears and I must make amends to Hanor for doubting his judgement! My fear did not let me see clearly but I know that Hanor would never jeapordize the safety of the party. He is an honorable soul and I am honored to be able to call him my friend.
For now we'll continue on. Fighting the evil that confronts us as best we can. Terranza, fighting our battles and her own. Who knows what drives her, but the ferocity in her eyes as she quashes her opponents tells me that there is more to this splendid, lion-hearted warrior than we know. Hanor, our iron-willed cleric, always giving his help unselfishly and unwaveringly! Never faulting anyone and always steadfast in his honor. Aria, deadly of aim and intrinsic to the success of our quest yet she lends a softness and beauty to the group that keeps us aware of the good that also surrounds us. El'Rohir, my beautiful, valiant champion and confidante. Without his support I fear that I would have a much narrower view of the world. And Drak, our most curious member. He has his own wars to win but he has never faltered in his devotion to the assistance of our groups success. I pray to Obad'Hai that he has the strength to fight the evil of Asmodeus influence. Even more than I pray that the Medegians shall be driven from this Oerth, I pray for the atonement of Drak's soul.
Dear Mother,
I thought we had found a fighter who's focus was on nothing but..fighting. Alas, the strong body turned out to have a weak mind and so we lost Wulfhere. So the Oathbound will continue on our mission as before. I have found a great weakness in myself, though. I have no resistance against magic! I must therefore rely upon Drak, El'Rohir and good Hanor to help see me through the following months until I can condition myself to resist this mystical force. Time is short and we must travel again to find the missing Lord. I'll write again when I have a chance.
In honour of my father and with much love to you,
Terranza
Reaping 19 CY 576 After spending a day searching the lair of the Suel Lich thoroughly and not finding anything resembling a phylactery, the Oathbound head off towards the hill valley lair that Blair Morrow is supposed to be located in, captured by an undead creature even worse than the Suel Lich.
Reaping 20 CY 576 The party encounters a Black Dragon and his troll minions, dispatching them after a short fight. The party loots the dragon’s water cave lair.
This Post is from Drak'Arath Tarantial (I can't figure out how to change my avatar's name.!!!!)
By the nine hells! I knew that Silver would be in a tizzy about my taint! She keeps looking at me like I’m going to start spitting brimstone and horns at any moment. Please help me from the weak minded. I know she only wants to keep all safe, even myself…from myself?
Either way she is stressing herself and me out to the point I’m going to HAVE to get the spell Dominate and make her my slave for a week or so, just to chill her out!
Damn even her snake has been hissing at me!
At least the rest of the Oathbound have some decorum, and trust my word (and Hanor’s backing of course) at face value. Hell if I wanted to do Evil (capital E most important) I would have fried those stupid villagers back at the vampire town. Weelllllllll did I? NO, I shot warning balls of fire over their collectively stupid heads and does that mean anything? No, I’m still being judged as some creature who just climbed out of an sludge pit with horns, tail and glowing red eyes! Sorry Silver the red eye was from the alchemist fire!
Anyway…………….. We proceeded towards the valley that supposedly is the next location of our reward, when we got sidetracked!
Our scouts spotted some flying creatures, and when they went in that direction….WHAM a black dragon decides meals-on-feet arrived!
Of course the scouts tripped this up, and the rest of us were following at our normal pace. Then all of a sudden I spot the black beastie winging up ahead, I instantly know that the crud is in the mix. I enchant myself, Hannor, Thane, with a variety of good spells, but they are to no avail as the big lizard fled. We all approach the entrance to it’s lair. I send my invitation ahead, exploding the entrance with fire! What no answer… How rude! I summon a creature of fire and brimstone to explore, and his fiery breath doesn’t bring out any response!
As I encroach upon the entrance, we are set upon by elite trolls in their camouflage and fierce weaponry. I blast one with spells, but he is only felled by my fellow’s weaponry, and of course the black beast emerges! Luckily my Heart is in position with her deadly bow, and her arrow storm drew a lot of acidic blood, but El’s blade work soon ended the beast’s life!
The dragon died quickly, but it’s minions lasted longer! It took a lot to slay those creatures, but eventually we were victorious!
Reaping 21 CY 576
My dear Cousin Io,
After we spent most of a day searching the Suel Lich’s outpost lair we found that the Lich’s phylactery was not present (at least it eluded our best efforts) and no further clues for our quest could be found. We camped there to contemplate our next move in the swamps.
As I shared with you in a letter and with Silver over the course of many conversations, my greatest fear in this swamp is it’s most fearsome natural inhabitant...the Black Dragons. We have spent many weeks now trudging about this fetid land without so much as an encounter. Often, I have asked Silver if she had spied any evidence or trail of these creatures during our travels. Always, she would answer no. Last week I decided to desist as she reassured me that should she come across any clue to these great worms, I would be the first to know…
On Reaping 20, we decided to set off toward this valley to which Lord Morrow has supposedly been taken. As we traveled, Silver noticed some winged beings apparently following us in the air. We made several attempts to contact them and prod them into communication to no avail. These beings eventually vanished after our next encounter… We were attempting to back track to “sneak” up on these winged footpads following us when our scouts found themselves face to face with a small Black Dragon standing in the mouth of its lair! I suspect that our winged foes intentionally led them to this exact spot with the expressed purpose of teaching us a lesson regarding following them! In any case, the ladies chose the better part of valor and ran from the scene. Had I been there alone or with but a single companion, I would most certainly have chosen this course. Silver and our cousin might be beautiful women and powerful warriors; but, they also possess great wisdom!
As soon as we heard the bay of the worm, the rest of us immediately began casting spells and running as fast as we could to close the distance to the scouts. At the time, I did not know that Silver was facing a Dragon, I did not know what was behind the wild trumpeting blast that it let out. Someone in the group shouted that it was a Dragon and that it has shouted a plea for aid in its foul speech. I can remember thinking how odd that was at the time since throughout my childhood, I have always been told that the language of the Dragons was the most beautiful of all known languages. So beautiful it is supposed to be that even the highest renditions of the most sacred of Elvish writings are supposed to sound like the vile grunts of orcs in comparison! And yet, I heard none of this musical nonsense of legend. Instead, I heard the coarse monotone slithering sounds of a terrible beast calling to its followers.
AS we rejoined the ladies and began trudging our way back to the lair, we were set upon by a number of rather large swamp trolls. They were simply huge and very well organized and drilled in the arts of combat. I have encountered trolls before, they are typically stupid and independent fighters with very little coordination of effort when in groups. These guys were very well organized and fought together with a fair bit of teamwork!
Expecting the Dragon to appear at the least opportune time, I had used some magic to become invisible and to fly. I was expecting the worm to take to the air and use its horrid breath to hurt us from above. So, for once, I left the Oathbound to fend off the trolls without me as I awaited the Dragon. Of course, I kept a weather eye on Drak and Silver in case I needed to abandon my plan and aid them in need.
Once the Dragon finally attacked, Aria filled him so full of arrows, that it only required a couple really good slashes of my blade to bring him down. Surprisingly, the hard part was taking down the remaining trolls! This took some time and the entire group found ourselves finally victorious; but, exhausted and depleted of most of our magical and divinely granted powers. We chose to spend the night searching the lair of the worm and recovering our powers in the lair.
Today, we awaken with a renewed sense of purpose. I am beginning to feel a sense of urgency regarding our quest to find Lord Morrow. We must find him soon if we are to find him at all…
El ‘Rohir
F2K and friends--thanks for sharing this thread with us. Informative and educational for those of us with a bit less roleplaying experience. Sounds like y'all have a good time with your game! Cheers!
Thank you very much, Peruhain!!....they're a great bunch of gals and guys, even if they drive their DM insane sometimes!! I usually manage to return the favor, though, LOL! We don't play as often as we'd like, because when we're all gaming, there could be anywhere from 7 to 12 kids of ages from 1.5 to 14 running around our house as well, which makes the logistics daunting sometimes.
I really enjoy reading the other various campaign logs on these boards....there's some really great gamers out there in Paizo Land.
Peruhain of Brithondy,
I would like to go on the record as saying that, as a group, we have always been convinced that our DM was insane all along.
But really, he allows us to role play our characters to the hilt and our group is filled with some really good players. Most of us have been playing for over 20 years and we really like the 3.5 system (as well as the other d20 system games).
But as for the DM himself. He's dependable, smart, trustworthy, cool, imaginative, and fun. But, insane. Oh yeah, definetly insane...
Thank you for reading and enjoying our campaign log. Since we don't game as regularly as we want to, this record helps us keep up with the action (and we keep detailed written notes to keep up with the fine details, like NPC names, hints, and subplots). We also use this to "role play" some of our own subplots that we do not always take the time to play when we actually get together. El 'Rohir's budding romance with Silver is an example of that. Of course, when there is a break in the action, we do play some of those subplots as well when we get together. In this game, there is always something to do!
I too am enjoying several of the other campaign logs on this site. It looks to me like RPG's are stronger than ever out there!
So, stay tuned for our next round of installments from the World of Grey Hawk!
In my wildest thoughts and dreams I would never have believed that some day I would be face to face with a dragon! My companions tell me this was a small dragon.....by Obad'Hai's grace I hope to never confront a large one! How could I have missed the signs? Walking along through the forest looking for those winged creatures I must have ignored what were obvious signs! They have to have been there! A dragon can't inhabit a place and not leave evidence of his presence! The thought of the danger that I might have placed the party in makes me cringe. And El'Rohir! I shudder to think that I might have lost him courageous and bold as he is. A dragon! I will endeavor to keep my senses up and not let anything like that happen again!! These people mean too much to me!
It seems the farther along we go the more dangerous our quest becomes. I fear for the life of Lord Morrow and can only pray that we'll reach him in time. There is, however, a little good that came from our encounter with that dragon and that is we know better now the stuff we are made from! I only hope we don't grow to become over-confident. Obad'Hai guide us along our way so that we may find Lord Morrow and return him safely to his family.