So after two days in the party (Carlos (male human ranger), Agnar (male human Fighter), J'Uha (female human bard), Sasha (female human rogue/fighter), and Sever (halfling Cleric of Nerull)) continue their journey to the keep show on the map in Zarlag's Journal (...yes...from "Unfamiliar Ground").
After spending several nights outside the group happens upon a poorly made shack, and an even poorer singer inside in the name of Krudin. The sneaky people (Carlos, J'Uha, and Sasha) all move ahead while the rest (especially Sever and his 3 zombies) stay back.
Krudin is seen running around his home, the rats he was going to have for dinner had escaped and he was trying to kill them first -then- cook them. J'Uha, noticing that the large man wasn't quite with it mentally was the only one who attempted to "talk" first. Obviously "fascinated", Krudin never noticed Carlos sneaking in through an open window.
Most of the conversation was about rat stew, monsters fought in the swamp, until Carlos shot the Barbarian 3 times. The party, who already attempted to ask Krudin to put his sword away, was accused of being there to steal his weapon and so they were attacked. Completely confused by the violence J'Uha attempted to heal the man several times, to no avail. Sever touched the man and he died instantly.
During the arguing that went on, Agnar, picked up the greatsword. Normally he does things not that wise, so this was defeinitely unfamiliar ground for him. Luckily his curse lasted only a few days (had him make saves vs the Cleric casting "Remove Curse"), unlike the Barbarian at their feet.
Resting for the night and moving on, Sever's warpony got spooked half-way through the next day. A Wraith appeared and attacked the party. After several attempts Sever got control of the undead, and released his zombies from service (this would prove vital in the days ahead...unbeknownst to me).
After getting lost (way to go Carlos), the party finds it's way to the potion maker's hovel.
...and this is where I stop and explain a few things for you all...
In the adventure it says she would help Krudin if he was brought to her. So I asked myself earlier this week..."What if she found out the party killed him?" Looking through the MM I changed the old lady a bit and made her a hag...a Hag who has been turned to worship The Great Mother as it turned out.
Looking over her potions the party was looking more to trade some of the heavier items in their loot as opposed to spend gold. Asking what they had the party quickly mentioned this "really magical sword" they had just picked up. Inquiring further the hag asked where and possibly who they got the sword from (this point the hag recognized the sword). J'Uha explained they got it from Krudin and the rest of the party blamed her for his death (which the hag believed), and so the battle began. The Wraith, for a while, was the only one who could effect her...but overall the match was pretty even.
After securing their new shelter the group established watch. On Carlos's watch he found a secret door leading down to a natural set of caves (he and J'Uha have already noticed the holy symbol found on the Hag). Carlos, not being very smart, went sneaking into the lower level and found...a Gauth...and his own death (failed a save vs Paralyze and a save vs coup de grace). ---at this point various jokes were made about eye stalks being used as probes and various phrases as (butt) beholders were tossed about...everyone failed their save versus hysterical laughter--- Knowing something was wrong the lesser eye tyrant went to look upstairs to find 3 sleeping humans, 1 sleeping halfling, and a Wraith.
Somewhat quick work was made of the lesser eye tyrant and the party packed up to start to find their way out of the Mistmarsh without their ranger.
...more fun next time...