(The continuing adventures of Mira Luna, Andrew, Coralis, Solstin, Ah-Leph, Savaun, and Tysis after their year long quest for the Destiny Stone has finally ended)
Once we returned from the Rakers an amazing miracle had occurred. Coralis’ lifeless body returned to life with amazing effect. All of us stood in shock while as we were about to walk through the gates of the Temple of Pelor in Rel Mord. Looking back at the time spent and all the trials of the quest for the Destiny Stone came to a shockingly quiet halt. Most of the Flanaess had no idea of the amazing deeds of these great adventurers that saved the world from total domination of the alien creatures known as the Faranth. No parades, no great visitation of any worldly kings or emissary from afar to give thanks. Memories of friends long since gone although their contribution of the quest in finding the Destiny Stone not forgotten; Maccabee, Padril, Brandon, Josephus…
Walking through the streets of Rel Mord, Savaun could be seen adjusting his trousers while walking out of a local brothel. Ah-Leph looked on with condemning eyes as Savaun jovially rejoined the party of adventures. Seemingly dismissive, Savaun asked what he missed. With very few words and none to elaborate, the group as a whole said, “Nothing”, and continued on to the nearest inn.
The days turned to weeks and the need to fulfill Ah-Leph’s quest began to take its toll. As if waiting for some divine direction Ah-Leph would spend hours on end sitting in the vast temples of all the good gods in Rel Mord. Although, rumor had it that far to the south there was a need for experienced adventurers to dispatch a covey of hags in the Vast Swamp. It was that or return to that dreadful Maure dungeon. Who knows… perhaps in some way an adventure in to the swamps might eventually lead the party where Ah-Leph needed to go: to the north in the lands of the Old One (Iuz).
So, set out to the Vast Swamp they did, making preparations to dwell in the hot marshy area perhaps for months. It took some weeks to get to a starting point with all of the necessary gear and provisions, but the group was relentless in striving on in hopes for great glory. When arriving in the town of Eyedrinn just north of the swamp they finalized whatever preparations were needed. The townsfolk made it a point to help in any way they could especially in selling their wares. Once a large enough raft had been acquired, the journey no longer would be afoot but on the quiet smooth flowing river. Once in the marsh after a few days other than the nuisance of humidity and insects, a group of Bullywugs attacked the party. They were dispatched in short order with the combined firepower of Mira Luna and Solstin. Although the entanglement spell of the Bullywug leader slowed them down the group managed to set their course southward with the tracking abilities of Savaun.
That day did not finish without further excitement as the group slowly made its way to a cluster of boat people grouped together on a small patch of dry land. They seemed to be native to the area and were beginning to nervously disperse at the approach of the adventurers on their raft when Ah-Leph stood up in hailed them with a peaceful greeting. The natives seemed more at ease as the adventures closed the distance to the natives. They were darker of skin especially compared to Ah-Lephs glowing white flesh. Once settled in with the locals Ah-Leph began a slow but unnatural discourse in a simple dialect of Common, in which the leader of the savages spoke brokenly. Unexpectedly, Savaun offered the chieftain a well made sword of cold iron as a gift to which Ah-Leph vehemently warned Savaun against. Before the reality of Savaun’s error set in the problem began to manifest further. That night was filled with much drinking and merriment as Savaun was married to the Chieftains daughter who in short was named Tiki.
The following day Tiki stayed close to the side of Savaun as the group of travelers began their trek deeper into the Vast Swamp. The group as a whole did everything they could to ensure Tiki would live a long life. (For those interested Tiki is a 1st level Warrior and the average party level is 14th. You do the math.) As the group continued its travail over through the marsh two huge crocodiles broke the surface of the brown, murky water. Solstin neutralized one of the huge reptiles with an acidic spell while Mira Luna used a magical hold spell on the other to give the group time to make an easy get away. Unfortunately they weren’t able to get far enough away when the reptile broke free of the enchantment. It came up underneath the raft and launched it into the air, sending Solstin cartwheeling overboard to splash down into the water. Tysis tried to skewer the creature with arrows as Savaun extended one of the long raft poles out to Solstin to pull him back on to the raft. Fortunately Coralis was able to hit the huge croc with some forceful divine energy and destroyed the great beast once and for all.
Solstin, although a bit wet, regained some form of dignity and the group continued on their way. In the midst of this Tiki and Savaun had exchanged some form of discourse which seemed to be the newlyweds’ first marital dispute. As the day went on more disputes sprang up.
Not much longer in the day the party of adventures saw a group of five pilgrims greeting them from where they stood on a large sandy island. Out of respect and an opportunity to camp for the night, the group moved to shore. Ah-Leph’s instincts took over and he began scanning for evil auras. It wasn’t until after they brought the raft onto the beach, that Ah-leph moved close enough to detect great evil in two of the five men and evil of a lesser degree in the other three. Ah-Leph spoke in Celestial to the two in his party that recognized the language, Coralis and Solstin, warning them of the great evil. Immediately Solstin cast a spell which alerted the five men and battle broke out. Tysis was a bit perplexed as Ah-Leph was trying to look through the ruse and was unable to. With unsuspected force one of the evil men struck at Ah-Leph with great force that literally knocked him to the ground. Andrew came to assist but also was knocked to the ground. The appearance of the men did not match their strength so Guardian sent a glitterdust spell at the closest enemy. The spell revealed not the outline of a normal man, but a huge man-shaped creature. Savaun was ensnared in a large net by another pilgrim/creature and Tiki hurried over to cut her husband free from its entangling strands.
Coralis was able to heal up those who took the most damage and withdrew to a safe position. Solstin continued to send forth more of those fiery spells as Tava sent forth volleys of magic missile. Mira Luna enlarged the group and followed with a cascade of fire. Ah-Leph and Andrew began striking at the huge creatures from prone whittling down their opponents as others helped to finally dispatch them. One after the other the creatures showed in death their true forms as two massive trolls and three ogres. Taking stock of their condition the group relieved their foes of their wealth as Savaun and Tiki commenced another argument, something about Savaun being ineffective in the battle against the monsters while the others bravely dispatched them.
I needed to take some time away from the party to meditate and reflect. My life had been a whirlwind of adventures and tragedies seemingly without point or merit. I had no friends, family (at least I thought not), or money. I always had my eye on the prize; revenge. However, I think I used that as a cane, for support as I walked through life.
That changed when I meet the gypsy.
Indeed I did leave the depths of Maure Castle with something that could help me reclaim my family's name and lands from the hordes of Iuz. My honor, and peace. The peace came from finding steadfast and loyal friends who have shown that they would lay their life down in defense of mine, just as they could trust I would do the same for them. It also came from finding a mutual path with Heironeous. He has seemingly blessed me with what I believe is his righteous might.
More than that, however, I have found a link to my past hidden within Ah-Leph. I believe we share a common bond....and a common destiny. I was far too young to remember with any detail what happened when Iuz struck Castle Blackhawk but I shudder to think of what happened that could drive a person past death into a form of unlife, risen as a martyr. I would speak with him more on this but I dont know how to approach him, yet.
Anyway, I met up with the party after they had finished destroying the slave stones.
We deliberated on our next course of action. It didnt take long before we set our eyes on the South, the Vast Swamp. It seems our abilities could be of use there. So after gathering supplies and making preparations we set off.
Weeks later we are finally at the starting point of our newest adventure. I shall not go in to details at this point because, quite frankly, they are still a little fuzzy to me. Anyway, a few days in to our journey we come across a tribe of natives. It seems that night I was married in the tradition of the natives. Honestly I was trying to foster goodwill. I guess my wife's father really appreciated the gesture. *sigh*
I used to shine in battle! The will of my foes would falter at my charge! In 2 fights since I have been married I have been rendered completely useless! Of all times it happened when my new "wife" is in observation to see if I am worthy. This cursed swamp mocks me!!
Now I know why I was single for so long.
Heh. I was married once... Poor lad.
:Opens his eyes to the rising of the morning sun:
But how can this be? I am alive once again but not by Pelors doing. Who or what could have performed such a miracle?
:Just then an image flashes in his mind and he is gifted with the visage of his savior:
My thanks be to you for your gift.
:Bows his head and utters a silent prayer:
I must see how the others have faired.
Ahh it is good to see that all is well and our quest has come to an end but now what is there to do? It seems as thou that which was binding us is now gone but we have grown to enjoy one anothers company and it seems that we all agree that we should see what other evils lurk in this world that we may destroy in the name of all that is good and holy.
This news of these hags in the marshes is quite disturbing to me and the others are happy to investigate so with some preparation and some much needed rest we ready for our journey into the swamp.
Upon teleporting to the village we hear a great many tales and stories about these hags and many other things that lurk in the swamp so we make ready and set sail on our raft down the river to travel to the heart of the swamp where the hags are said to be congregating. While on our way we come accross a group of natives that seem alot more scared of us than we were of them but after much talk (thou we did not speak a common language through signs and jestures we were able to convey to them that we were friends) they invited us back to there small village. Upon entering Savaun did a very strange thing and offered a simple masterwork sword to the chieftain for his offer of food and lodging which I thought may not be a very wise thing to do but I did not wish to interfere. A short time later the chieftain offered one of his daughters to Savaun and thou Savaun tried to say no it did little good. They immediately started to prepare a feast and I knew what it ment but since I have studied religion and practices for so many years took it for granted and figured that Savaun knew he was about to get married to this woman but come to find out the next day he was quite shocked to find out he had a new wife. I will be more vocal in the future with my knowledge so that this can be avoided in the future that is of course providing that he is unhappy with having a wife.
She was to come with us and she would not take no for an answer so I simply warned Savaun that there was a limit to how much I could protect someone so young who lacked experience in combat. He simply nodded in understanding and proceeded to inform her to stay back in a fight. (This was done in a very comical manner by him putting on a helm of comprehend languages and having her speak to him then having her put it on and him speaking to her.) A while later we had a very bloody battle with a group of enchanted ogres and trolls but managed to keep everyone in one piece. Now I must rest and regain my strength.
"Now this is adventure! Riding a raft through a swamp, getting married to a tribeswoman, fighting trolls, and all without the loss of life. This is adventure indeed."
"What about that streange light though? The others didn't pay much attention to it, but it seems like it could have bee a Will-o-wisp. I've heard bad things about them..."
"Maybe it was, maybe it wasn't. Who knows? All I know is that whatever it was, it can't be nearly as deadly as that Maure Castle."
"Solstin, Tiki's language is funny. I think you should learn it."
"Oh, you mean Nag-Tiki (her nick-name according to the party, as she seems to constantly nag Savaun)? I wouldn't want to do anything innapropriate with regards to Savaun's marriage, but I'll do what I can. It is a funny language."
Steve and gang,
I wanted to say again that I appreciated your hospitality and allowing me to run Tysis for a few hours and get a nice break from the rigors of a family vacation with kids ;)
Good gaming and thanks again!!! It was great to meet you all.
Stefan
Hey, our pleasure! And thanks for the "Crafter's Mead".
Beyond the Destiny Stone #2
The adventurers continue on thier march through the Vast Swamp. The strange necklass warn around the one giant trolls neck was the only thing of value. Once the bodies were disposed of in the still waters of the swamp, Savaun took point in following their trail in full anticipation that it would lead to the location on the map. The where abouts of the place where the evil hags may reside happened to be in the same direction Savaun was tracking. Ah-Leph assisted Savaun in tracking with a constant vigil of detect evil. Since it was already late in the day the group made camp before proceeding on. The night went on uneventful as the small group set up their watches.
The next day Savaun was still able to follow the tracks of the groups last foes. Moving ahead the group entered a place with surrounding bogs. Tysis stood in the rear witrh Andrew's faithful allie Bill (acquired from a deck of many things, thats a story in and of itself) stood on the flank as the renmianing group carryed the raft above their heads. With some surprise, out from the nearby merky bogs two Giant Swamp Trolls stood at opposite positions boxing in the group of adventurers. Savaun making his stand againt the forward Troll and Tysis Trying to hold the rear Troll at bay with little affect. Sending forth a volley of energy with the weapon he had aquired from the gnomes.
Andrew swung into action causing great damage upon the forward Troll only to be triped to the ground by the Troll. Ah-Leph blessed the group and prepared to attack the forward Troll to assist Andrew and Savaun. Solstan casted a spell of Acid upon the Troll attacking Tysis while Bill was sending forth a hesitant volley of arrows in assiting his close friend Andrew. Tiki stood their cheering for her husband. Ah-Leph went to engage the front Troll and was triped to his knees. Tysis changed to his Long bow and began attacking the rear Troll and Solstan sent forth a volley of spells of fire upon the foes.
Corallus had assisted in healing the group who already had taken major damage from the Trolls and sent forth fire from the heavens which ended the lives of the Trolls. Once the group regained its wits, they healed in the direction that Savaun had tracked. It appeared Tiki took a better liken to her husbands trial and prehaps will sleep more blissfully this night.
The night past with out event and the group continued on to the suspected location of the Evil Hags. Both the trail in which Savaun tracked and the course layed out on the map coincided with one another. It could be seen far ahead a unatural large tree with smoke billowing out of it. Solstan used a spell to look ahead and could not see anything living through his wizards eye. Moving forward a stinky pile of refuse stood not far from the front entrance of this unatural tree. With suspicious looks the group seperated as Tiki and Bill stood upon the outer shore in wait as Solstan took to flying. The remainder staid on the raft as they slowly approached. As the group moved closer the mound of refuse annimated into some ungodly creature of horrible stench and tackyness. Its tentacle reached out and grabed Savaun into its outer parts and began to sting Savaun with sizzling effect of acid. Solstan sent forth some form of spell that seemed to have no effect on the monster. Tysis sent a shot of his energy weapon as Andrew managed to jump over board to make his way away from the creatrues next attack. Savaun was flailed about from the creature and was sent flying into the water as the creature apprached the raft. Solstan send another form of magic that failed once again as Corallus casted some magical spear from his hands causing greavous damage upon the creature. Ah-Leph after blessing the party once again moved up on the monster although hesitantly as if talking to an unseen servant. Struck the monster four times ending its life once and for all. Hastily, Savaun and Ah-Leph made it a point to rid themselves of the acidic slime and it is there the gaming ended.
Thanks for the mead!
These trolls are becoming bothersome indeed. Two more of them rose up from the swampy depths and attacked us while we were carrying the raft over semi solid ground. They were dispatched rather quickly by Solestin with remarkably more powerful magics than I have previously seen. We were fortunate to not sustain any heavy casualties and rested for the night since this seemed like the only solid ground for quite some distance. The next day we came across a massive tangle of trees and vines in the center of a body of water with an enormous pile of rotting garbage and filth just outside the entrance. Weary of possible creatures both in the water and possibly lurking in or around the pile we tried to raft past it only to see the entire mound shake and come to life. It appreared to be some kind of creature and not just an animated pile of goop. We found that it was immune to fire and that its body was filled with a very nasty acid that ate away at our armor and weapons. But with courage and tactics we were able to defeat the creature without loss of life or limb. Now to see about this hovel and wether or not our hags are inside.
Hi, I'm Bill the Archer. How ya doin?
Kind of new around these fellas... and ladies. I got me a peice o' work as a bodyguard for that fella Andrew. Nice guy.
We was trudging along and got attacked by some big ol' swamp stompers earlier today. Afterwards, that fella Savaun got mad cuz I looked at the dark skinned fella and I guess they's sweet on each other. Turns out the dark skinned fella... er, uh.. person... ain't actually a fella. He's a she. I said, "That's a lady?" And he got all made and started chasing me around and throwing rocks at me. I was just sayin'...
Some people are so touchy.
"You have to spend some time with your newfound power Solstin. These friends of yours can't afford wasted time on spells that fizzle out." Tava, as always was there to offer her unsolicited advice to Solstin, who in turn, took everything she said in both stride and contemplation.
"You're right Tava, but how was I supposed to know that monster of a plant creature was immune to polymorph effects?"
"That's what I'm saying - you need to figure this stuff out. Those two swamp trolls didn't like the dish you served them. You could tell they both wanted you for dinner really bad. At least you got that part right."
"I've been thinking, and I'm not sure if this newfound power is a curse or a blessing. I thought at first that Pelor smiled on me and granted me something amazing, but it feels like too big of a burden for his doing. I'm beginning to regret ever taking Andrew to Greyhawk in the first place."
"Don't you dare say that! You have something that is truly amazing! What you have needs to be used to the glory of Pelor. I didn't come here to hang out with a moapy-coward-too-afraid-of-his-power-to-do-anything-with-it-lazy-no-ambitio n-idiot. If I wanted that, I would have bonded with BlackChicken over there."
"What?"
"Never mind - that almost made sense. The fact is Solstin, you need to do something great with what you have. I think this is part of your fate, my fate, our fate. We have something great in store for us if you would just take the time to find and know your limits and abilities."
"It's going to take time though. Look, there's a large hut up ahead. It's as good a time as any to do a little practice. Let's see if we can't do anything about these hags..."
(For all you readers out there, Solstin and Andrew took a side trek to the city of Greyhawk to meet up with a guy with a little trinket of a magic item - The Deck of Many Things. Where Andrew had a run of 3 bad draws [well, one did bring us Bill the Archer], Solstin drew 2 Kings of Diamonds and an Ace of Diamonds.)
Well, we found this big 'ol tangle of trees with all kinds of twisty, wet tunnels in it. We had to go for a little swim, but came out again in some big hollow area with a wierd hut kind of flashing in and out, like it weren't entirely there, if ya know what I mean.
There wuz some damn fine looking ladies what come out of it and talked to us for a minute. Then that Pelorian priest did some kind of spell and the ladies suddenly put the dead guy, I think his name is Ah-Leph, my boss Andrew, and the young sorcerer with the tinkling ball of light that's always chattin' to him in some kind of transparent box.
The magic guy did some kind of spell and - POOF - they wuz gone. That fine archer, Tysis, with the help of the priest, killed 2 of the ladies - I guess they wuz actually real ugly underneath their magic - and the other took off (we never did catch her).
We found some treasure and stuff inside the hut, but my boss and them other 2 is gone. We don't know where the hell they went!
Beyond the Destiny Stone #3
Somewhere in the Vast Swamp;
(A dream) In the dream there was a great valley, and in that valley were jagged sharp rocks making it both impossible to pass as well as hazardous to the party. At the edge of this basin stood three spine devils and these spine devils had offered to fly the party over the valley as long as they got into these three cages large enough only to fit one person at a time. The offer was apparently good so the party entered into the cage. The spine devils did as they agreed but in mid flight the spine devils dropped us into the jagged rocks of the valley this overwhelming feeling of guilt ran through me. I awoke from the dream and realized what it is I had done wrong. Repented, then forgiven and my faith was restored. An inner voice then spoke to me and said, “Never make a pack with the devil.” It was the end of the dream.
As the group stood at the opening of the large tree I suggested to them to wait till the next day before we should enter. Although recognized as a good idea the party as a whole agreed to enter only in part before to retreat to a safe place for the night. So entered we did. Weighting in to three feet of water the inner parts of this colossal tree of unusual shape opened to a variety of caves made of tree and roots. For the sake of the party I took the lead knowing I was the only one immune to drowning. Many of the corridors came to a quick halt while others ended in a pool of water. I descend into the pool of water lead into other corridors which completely submerged any one who dare enter it. In some of these corridors I was welcomed by some carnivorous vines. Fortunately they did not prevail over my strength or armor. Seeing the inner parts of this vast tree, it was apparent the inner most areas was unreachable without the need to breathe under water as well as have freedom of movement. At that point satisfied on what the group found we with drew from the colossal tree to a not so nearby island.
Solstan had put up a Leomund’s Secure Shelter for the nights rest. As most of the party slept I had watched over them as I always had. During the night Andrew had awoken to assist in the watch as the sound of foot falls could be heard at the out side of our shelter. By the time we were able to awaken the group the corner of the shelter was broken open. Then the opposite side of the shelter was broken open with a ten foot gaping hole. Every one was awake and a skirmish against two swamp trolls began. I had cast bless upon the group while keeping a safe distance from the one advancing troll, while Andrew took it upon himself to engage in the second troll. Tysis was at my side preparing to launch several arrows as Corallus and Solstan cast spells that diminished the Trolls. One was totally destroyed by the onslaught of acid from Solstan as Corallus send streams of fiery embers on both creatures. The one standing troll attempted to hit me but was unable to succeed with the remaining part of the hut protecting me. It was soon after the volley of arrows from Tysis and the effects of the ongoing spells that the Troll decided to withdraw from our sight. I took chase only to be hit by some fiery spell from Solstan. The damage was minimal and again Solstan showed no remorse for his actions. With the remaining Swamp Troll gone Solstan had covered the open areas of the shelter with some form of earthen wall spell. The remainder of the night was uneventful till morning.
The group was startled by the crashing of tree trunks being hurled upon the front door of the shelter. Taking a look outside both Andrew and I could see from a far off trees being thrown at the shelter. It was apparent that the remaining swamp troll was making his best effort to disturb the group. Although taking chase to where the troll was it was apparent he did not wish to stay much longer and inevitably disappeared further into the Vast Swamp. We rested further into the day to insure the spell casters would be restored for the days march. Once we all rested Corallus cast water breathing upon most of the party and freedom of movement on all of us. At which point we entered in to the depths of the water which lead through a field of assassin vines. We eventually emerged from the waters to find a Leomund’s hut blinking in and out of existence. Standing there by the door was three women which apparently were hags. I began discussing there intentions with utmost diplomacy feeling a bit sorry for the old crones. It was apparent the stillness of our conversation would be disturbed normally it would have been Solstan to begin casting a spell but this time it was Corallus who aggravated the conversation and the three hags immediately encaged me, Solstan and Andrew in some force field. It was Corallus, Bill and Tysis that had taken up to arms while in brief discussion Solstan was planning a way out for the three of us. Solstan suggested dimensioning door to the inner parts of the hut as Andrew mildly recommended it was not a good idea. I stood curious of our predicament when suddenly by Solstans spell we were no longer anywhere on this plane of existence. It was surmised that we were now on the Astral Plane. I suppose Andrews advice would probably been well regarded but being the adventurer that I was, this too became a great adventure in and of itself. Rather than morning for our predicament I hastily took off in search for a way out as Andrew and Solstan hastily followed. Praying for the safety of Corallus, Bill, and Tysis I thought it wise to follow the nearest smoke trails in hopes for a safe exit.
(Above board, the three remaining Adventurers did succeed in killing the Hags.)
As we traveled the Astral Plane we encountered three what is commonly referred as Gythyanki. They were together on some flat metal board of sorts and had demanded to hear of our allegiance. Unfamiliar with Githyanki custom I carefully said my loyalty was to Celestral. It was apparent the outspoken Gith was not satisfied by our response and immediately took to arms. Back in my mind I only thought this entire person was, was a bully. It did not go well with this Gith and his two companions. The two was quickly made dead as the final who apparently was a noble ask for parlay. He had taken some noticeable damage from Me Andrew and Solstan. Displaying his willingness for peace I with held any more attacks on his person and diplomatically advised give over his wealth on his possession, minus the silver swords and let us be on our way. That apparently did not satisfy the bloke. He began insisting on insulting our character for being common brigands. I took to heart his desperation, but then reminded him that he was the one who engaged in this conflict as we were only interested in safe passage. He offered a way and himself as a guide to the nearest porthole and I insistently declined. At which point the Gith removed himself by some form of dimension door and I and my companions, minus their disappointing stairs were on the metallic board with some of the treasure of the dead Gith, making our way through the Astral Plane.
Sometimes you write adventures with all kinds of sneaky angles and lures to get players to step in harm's way, be it a trap, ambush, whatever. And other times you write adventures with similar dangers or tricks that you assume your players will never in a million years fall for.
Last session happened to be the latter. The phasing hut mentioned in the 2 previous posts was an aberration, a miscast spell that had formed an unstable planar breach. In my short manuscript, I jotted down a quick note that attempts at dimensional travel into or out of the phasing hut would shunt one into the Astral Plane (no save). And lo and behold! One of my players actually does it. ::hand smacking forehead::
Man, I love this game!
After much searching in this dismal dank mound of plants we found that all paths lead to an area that was underwater so we decided to make camp for the evening a ways away from the mound and use a Leomund's Secure Shelter for the night. Well that didn't go well with a rude awakening in the middle of the night by more of the marsh trolls but again we dispatched them and returned to our slumber.
The following day I called upon Pelor to grant everyone spells that would help them for our underwater escapade so I gave everyone the ability to breath underwater and the freedom to do so without hinderance. We then proceeded to enter the water and make our way through some vines that tried to ensnare us but thanks to my spell were unable to get ahold of us so we proceeded to the center of the mound and found an interesting phenomenon. What appeared to be a Leomund's Secure Shelter that was phasing in and out of reality and three women which I had a feeling were the hags and was confirmed when Aleph was sensing evil from them all. I became quite enraged by the fact that everyone was simply parlaying with these vile creatures and began to cast a spell which triggered the hags to do so as well. There spell went off first and Ah-leph, Solstin, and Andrew were caught in a force cage and that started a mess of a battle. A moment later the three of them vanished and I had to take on these hags with only Tysis and Bill the archer to help me out. It was a tough battle but in the end we killed two of the hags and the third fled into the water and we lost her trail. We still have not seen our friends and I am getting worried as to there fate so tomorrow I shall send a message to them to see if I can get a response as to where they may have gone. Until then we must keep close watch for I am sure we have not seen the last of this hag.
Beyond the Destiny Stone #4
Since time had seemed to stop for us we continue to travel through the Astral Plane. On occasion we discovered some pools leading to some other planes. Regrettably I was uncertain of their destinations, yet it was fortunate of both Tava’s as wells as Sulstans skills we knew not to proceed through any of these portholes. We skirted through the plane on the metallic wreckage to eventually come into sight of a huge metallic being of enormous size.
Affixed to this thing was a shackle upon its right wrist and from the shackle was this huge chain that appeared to go on to eternity. It was apparent that this thing was none other than some dead god. As we moved a bit closer we could see what appeared to be an Effret. It did not see our presence as we closed slowly from a far off and it was intent on looking upon the dead god most absorbedly. What the Efrett did not notice that a huge Devourer slowly came over the other side of the dead god and regretfully devoured him. It wasn’t long that the huge Devourer got sight of us that its intent was to bring harm upon us. Andrew insured to fly by at good length from the creature as Sulstan send forth a volley of acid to the huge undead. It appeared to do great damage upon him when it jutted out quickly from its place from the ginormous dead god draining Sustan of his life force. I did all I could to bless the group as Andrew continue to take flight, encouraged to keep our distance from this large undead creature. Regretfully Sulstan was hit by the creature in our departure and although awaited to get some distance the huge Devourer once again attacked Sulstan with some magical hand that again drained Sulstans life force. This time Sulstan sent forth another volley of acid orbs and terminated the abomination once and for all.
At the devourers ruin the Efreet appeared, very grateful of being saved from the harrowing death of the Devourer. Truthfully I had not malice to this creature although knowing his nature was evil. We began to discuss our needs as in truth we too took interest in this once living god. We all drew closer with some wave of foreboding towards us, we got closer to the great sized dead god. It was apparent that the Efreet was unaffected by the thing. Searching curiously at the dead god we took it upon ourselves to prepare to leave this plane. The Efreet had offered with much gratitude to give such a request in fair trade for saving its life. As Andrew and Sulstan talked amongst themselves I began to enjoy a little conversation with the Efreet. I must confess it was a bit strange talking with such a creature and could not bare in light of its evil nature feel any despise. I asked it from what plane it hailed from only to learn he was not from the Astral Plane but from the Plane of fire. The Efreet who introduced himself to be Gin Dao fascinated me and thought how wonderful it would be to travel in such a plane. Sharing with Jin Dao I explained it would be impossible for us to go in such a place that it certainly would kill us from the fire. I spoke how nice it would be if we had the ability to survive in such a place, the Efreet immediately then offered me a beautiful fiery ring that with proper etiquette I accepted. The Efreet was apparently pleased that I would accept such a ring only to learn later on, it was a ring capable of keeping me from harm from the fiery heat of the Plane of Fire. Eventually the good Efreet returned us back to Oerth.
Upon our return it appeared we were in some kind of jungle it didn’t take but a moment where the good Efreet dismissed himself and then Sulstan teleported back to the place we had encountered the hags. It appeared the battle was long since over two of the three hags lay dead while one still seemed missing. I suggested that this location would make a perfect hide out for the night, but Andrew and Sulstan objected. It apparently was very uncomfortable for them to remain so Sulstan called for us to hold hands again and wwe quickly teleported at the previous nights place where we rested. Fortune had favored us and there in our midst was Corallus, Mira Luna, Tysis and Bill. We were quick to share of our adventuring in the Astral Plane as we all spoke out together speaking of every single detail. As the time past it became apparent that some mechanical beast was looking for Sulstan quite intent of speaking to him of some kind of medaling, no pun intended. Corallus, Mira Luna and the rest were quite concerned of this new development.
As the day turned to evening Sulstan made a Leomund’s magic shelter once again and the remainder of the party took to rest. Eventually after a short time Andrew once again awoke jibber jabbering on about the past events. Since my thoughts were usually shared between myself and Guardian, I pretty much faded out to Andrews voice until some strange cylindrical tube not bigger than my fist happened to appear out of no where. Andrew and I began to attempt to open it but to no avail. It was apparent this cylinder was extra planer. So in light of the day’s events we took it upon our selves to awaken Sulstan. Andrew began to awaken Sulstan when out of no where Tava had shown here sharp teeth and a horrible hiss. I was truly amazed at her anger. Eventually Sulstan had awoken and was the only one able to open up the cylinder. It apparently was some ultimatum sent from the mechanical plane. Mechanical plane I asked? That it was and Sulstan rather disgusted with its contents closed it back into its cylinder with a rebuke and returned back into his bead. Corallus had mumbled a few words and eventually he too went back to sleep.
By the next day we were teleported back to Rel Mord returning to the groups favorite Inn. That night the strangest thing occurred, as I looked on many of my comrades while in their slumber appeared very preoccupied. I suspected some kind of dream, perhaps even nightmares. I had about to attempt to awaken them when Guardian immediately told me to stop. Considering the amount of emotional and spiritual duress I had gone through in my waking dreams/memories it would be safer to allow the night to pass with disruption. So I stood my ground and watched intently for any sign of any outside source they may have actually distressed them.
In the mourning many it turned out the people of Rel Mord had suffered the same form of Nightmares and had in many ways had suffered some ill affect of them. It appeared in the deepest parts of the night two children had disappeared and most of Rel Mord was walking the streets as if never have slept at all. To what ends this all means it was uncertain to say, it is here we ended till next week.
Wow, so much as happened in my life since last I had a moment to record it. I shall just say this... I have not died in some time. And it is really kind of nice. I did track down the new owner of that Deck of Many Things that we once found, and I decided that hey, why not draw, you never know what can happen. Well it was mostly not good things, I did make a new friend though, Bill. My good buddy the big S did take me to Grey Hawk, but only if I told him why I wanted to go, and well he drew as well, and things turned out much better for him... the little freak. Did some more Planar travel as well, and let me just say yet again, I got enough problems on this plane, I don't need to be going any where else. We did learn a valuable lesson though... DO NOT under any circumstances teleport, in any fashion into a blinking building! It is quite sad me, the sneaky one, had to tell out magic user that, that would be a bad idea. But I guess it all worked out ok. I am here and still alive, though I would like to got back to that lovely castle and get the rest of the treasure in that cozy little room that we just left lying there, but I can't seem to convince everyone else of what a good idea that really is. Heck, maybe I will just sneak off and go back there myself, I am sure Eli, if he finds me will help me get the stuff in exchange for the Destiny Stone, I mean its not like we need it anymore, and I am carrying it after all. But wait, no I am sure that would not be a good idea, and I am not quite that greedy. However, maybe, just maybe I can find a new group of friends who might be up for a little Castle plundering. I did give my word to Savaun that I would help him win back his homeland, but hey, I am sure he would understand if I got a little side tracked. Well any way, much to think about... like why the heck do I feel so crappy this morning, and do my friends all feel the same way?
Ah-Leph has a waking dream:
Blackhawk keep had been overrun. The gates lie shattered and burning, portions of walls lie in heaps exposing great holes where the enemy had poured in, their numbers overwhelming. Outbuildings were systematically being pulled down or burned.
A desperate battle had been fought in the halls of the keep, but there were just too few to defend it.
In the tower of the archivist a great fire raged, the easily combustible materials there fueling the fire to ever greater proportions. A bookcase on one of the outer walls collapsed along with part of the outer wall. A signed scroll tube bounced oddly when it struck the stone floor and rolled under a heap of stone blocks where somehow it escaped the flames that burned nearly everything else that had been meticulously
stored there for 5 generations.
The vision ended as quickly as it had begun with Ah-Leph's mind holding that final image of the scroll tube rolling under the heap of stones, troubling him with its mysterious, yet obvious significance.
I was releaved when my friends suddenly popped into our camp and they were all accounted for. They immediately and quite excitedly began to babble on about there experience in the astral plane and what had gone on. An amazing thing the astral plane, so many mysteries still unsolved about that place. I am glad to see that my companions faired well there and were returned unharmed except for a little bit of draining which I was able to fix easily enough.
After they allowed us to get a word in I told Solstin about the strange man or construct or whatever it was that was looking for him and Mira Luna informed everyone that the one thing we knew was that this thing was able to cast time stop so it was a very powerful creature indeed. I had told it the Solstin would be back in the morning and it said it would return at that time. We spent the night and I was awoken but so rather loud conversation between Andrew and Solstin about the plane of Mechanus and something about not tampering with things and I just told them to be quite and to get some sleep.
The next morning we teleported to Rel Mord and sold the items that we had acquired and just browsed around enjoying the change in climate until finally returning to the inn. When we aawoke the next morning a few of my companions had suffered from such horrible and vivid nightmares that it actually seemed to do them harm. At first I thought it was the wrok of dark magics but as we made ready for the day we found out that the whole town came under this same affliction and that two children had come up missing. I must consult the local temple manuscripts to see if I can learn the nature of what is going on and how to stop it from continuing.
Beyond Destiny Stone #5
It has become apparent in light of the missing children as well as the dreams the quest was on for Ah-Leph and Savaun to journey to Black Hawk Keep. Corallus had sought counsel with his people in the local temple of Pelor in Rel Mord about a mysterious dust or sand left behind in the homes of those children who had disappeared in the dark of the night. By some coincidence the only person who would be able to identify the sand was a wizard who can only be found in the capital City of Chendl in Furyondy. It took a couple of weeks before perpetrations were made since some of the group needed some form of training. It was decided before heading to Black Hawk Keep to make a side track to Maure Castle to get whatever treasure remaining in the vault of antiquities to help in the up and coming quest.
By first light in the next mourn we teleported in to Maure castles room of antiquities. There as expected we were attacked by the invisible demon. Once struck by the hairy creature guardian set forth a blast of glitter dust revealing the evil outsider in his invisible form. It took several moments before the entire party was able to eliminate the monster before they were able to take whatever remaining treasure there was. Sulstan teleported everyone to the city of Greyhawk, from there the treasure was liquidated and dispersed amongst the group to spend another week to upgrade weapons and items necessary for the final quest.
After gathering information for Sulstans spell to teleport into Chendl it was decided to arrive far enough not to bring too much suspicion to ourselves. From there Savaun and Ah-Leph arrived on horse back while the remaining party arrived on foot. There they made there acquaintance with the gate guards and was eventually welcomed in to the city proper. The guard had taken note of Corallus arrival and dispatched a messenger to the Elder in the temple of Pelor. Once inside the Inn the Kings Blessing we were met by two acolytes from the temple who soon escorted Corallus to the shrine. In the mean time Andrew had left to take note of the local sites as Ah-Leph walked the streets of Chendl with feelings of de’ja’vue along with spurts of memories.
Trying to grow accustomed to the local area Ah-Leph sought counsel with the local knights in which all dealt with him with great distain. Savaun had managed to speak with the Furyondy Knights with hope in seeing the king. Regrettably Andrew had been carted away in chains for walking around suspiciously. Even though Corallus now back from his trip with the Elder of the Church was unable to change the minds of the paladin and local guard to let him loose. At which point Andrew was lead to the stocks where he was going to remain chained up until the group as a whole was going to leave the city. Eventually Ah-Leph went to visit his misshaped friend and stood at his side until his release. It was by great fortune Savaun was able to convince the Furyondy knights to let Andrew loose and in doing so Andrew remained in the Kings Blessing until the group as a whole left Chendl.
After several days the group was able to teleport to the outskirts of Blackhawk Keep. There amidst the ruins stood the once thriving village in rubble as the group began there approach to the keep. As the group began to enter the remains of the village ten Wights appeared from the ruins. Just as the group was about to take action against the undead creatures six whil-o-whisps encroached upon the party. Three of which immediately attacked Ah-Leph while the remainder attacked Mira Luna and Corralus. Savaun took to a charge in the midst of the Wights. Ah-Leph had dismissed his charge and was in the midst of battle against three willow-o-whips. Mira Luna had casted some form of firey spell and dispatched the bulk of the Wights. The Willow-o-whisps were beaten down by the combination of blows of Ah-Lephs and Andrews Steel where the remaining three left the field of battle. Although suffering from minor injury the party regained its vigor and continued its march to Blakhawk Keep.
Ah, Chendl, if I never see the inside of her walls again, then I will count myself very lucky indeed. There I was walking around the streets minding my own business, trying to stay out of the way of the various locals who were hurrying about their daily routines, when I was acosted by a herd of paladins. They accused me of "skulking" simply because I was leaning against a building, in a shady spot, watching as others went about doing what ever it is they had need to do. The louder I protested the tighter they seemed to clamp the manacles...oh but these are nice manacles... I do finally convince them that I am on a mission of the utmost importance and if they could just swing by the King's Blessing then my friends, a paladin and a high preist of Pelor among them could vouch for me. We show up and that worst thing that can happen does, Coralis labels me a rogue. Well that was enough for these high and mighty better than you or anyone else paladins who had me in there grasp, it was off to spend some time in there "lovely" city buildings, the ones with bars on the doors and windows. I and my friends were told that when they were ready to leave the city they could come by and pick me up, like I was some sort of adventuring equipment to dangerous to be let lose in the city. After about a day of absolute boredom Ah-leph came to sit with me, he said that while exploring the city people treated him like some sort of outcast, which I got to say, as much as I like Ah-leph, I can understand, I mean when we first met him we weren't all so friendly either, I mean, he is a dead guy, well and mostly, kinda, sort of undead, but not the bad kind of undead, guy, yeah sure he works for the good guys, but come on he is kind of creepy. Not that I would tell him that, because I have come to like him, quit a bit actually, he reminds me of Macabee, good ole Macabee, I wonder if he is waiting on me up there with the Big H. Next time I am sent to visit up there I might just stay.
Anyway, it seems as the guards are coming, and wow it not even dinner time yet, not that I eat there crappy meals, but they seem to have brought my breakfast and lunch right on time. Oh, well look here, they say they are going to let me out, my honor has been vouched for, by none other that Sauvan, mayhap I will have to quit calling him black chicken after all. Oh and free ride back to the King's Blessing, how thoughful, I wonder if they will let me keep these wonderful manacles as a reminder of my time with them, apparently not.
Sauvan says that my behavoir is on his honor, so I think I shall just keep myself indoors for the rest of out time here, I would hate to be accused of "skulking" again.
Wow, talk about your fixer upper, man Sauvan, would it not just be easier to get a differnt place and make it the New and Improved Black Hawk Keep, I mean this place has seen much better days, but I guess I did agree to help you reclaim your lands so lets get to it. Oh look a welcoming committe... oh crap, undead, you know how much I love undead. Man I hope once we get more deeper into this little quest we find something with a little more substance to it, or the help I offer to Sauvan and Ah-leph will be minimal indeed.
I am very troubled by these mysterious dreams and that our quest to find out what is causing them is somehow linked to our journey to Black Hawk Keep and the city of Chendl to see this mysterious mage of the planes. Of course things do not go well at all. Not long after we arrive Andrew is taken into custody for skulking around the city and no matter what we said he was placed in there care until we were to leave the city for his crimes. I got to meet the high priest and find out who I was to contact for the information about the strange dust and it so happened to be an aquaintance of his and he would send him a message that I needed his assistance. A few days later I met with him and he set to work on trying to track down the origin of this strange sand and told me that this was not an isolated instance. Some years back this happened in a small village and the people there labeled it the Boogey Man. Since he had to do more research and we had found out as much information as we could using the map I got of Black Hawk Keep and Savaun's childhood memories we picked a spot and Solstin teleported us all there. Of course as we approached a group of fallen undead warriors and willow wisps attacked us from the surrounding rubble but were quickly dispatched. Now we must just make it to the center of the keep and hopefully avoid any further confrontations.
Beyond Destiny Stone #6
It was apparent from the earlier reception committee that the Keep was hot with evil activity. Entering through the outer gates the party slowly entered in the court yard. Ah-Leph leads the way, keeping a close eye out for anything evil. Visions raced through Ah-Lephs mind seeing that he had once lead a group to help defend the outer walls seeing that they were breached and leading them to another defensive position. Ah-Leph regained his composure discerning the area was manifesting a constant pang of evil. As the group continued there investigation it was made apparent that the entire Keep was unhallowed. Once entering into the court yard a large boulder was sent hurling through the air hitting Ah-Leph squarely to the chest sending him flying back twenty feet. Some unseen creature was believed to be using telekinesis at will and was totally out of sight from the entire party. While searching for a place to hide, Andrew along with bill entered into the gate house, once inside the entire roof of the gate house fell upon the both of them as stone and mortar spewed out into the kill zone of the gate house. The group did all they could in trying to dig there friends out when inevitably Andrew and Bill were removed from the wreckage and revived from being without air for minutes. More pieces of wreckage fell upon the party and were steadily developing more and more injuries from the flying debris.
After a while weapons were being pulled from the group as Ah-Lephs sword was hurled eighty feet into the air and finally rested in the middle of the court yard. Savaun and Ah-leph went to retrieve the sword as Sulstan cast a fly spell on Ah-Leph. Once in the courtyard the barrage of stones and weapon snatching continued. Sulstan had used telekinesis spell and was able to retrieve the sword and into Savauns hands. As the group continued into the large area Sulstan was able to spy out the fortress with some form of wizard’s eye. Apparently whom ever Sulstan had seen was able to dismiss the eye and was now aware of our presence. Moments past as more rocks and stones was thrown at the party. The deathly wraiths and unholy group of creatures both undead and abyssal began to encroach upon the group. Mira Luna was able to quickly dispatch the monster from one flank as Corallus from the other. Regrettably Corrallus was struck two times from heavy stones and Ah-Leph was able to revive him from a deathly sleep. Andrew was lifted up off the ground and was hurled 210 feet away into a stone wall. His fate was uncertain as the small army of evil began to fill the court yard. Savaun made a stand against a demon as Corallus was quickly healed by Ah-leph. Sulstan was able to dismay the death creature that had ridden upon the back of a black unicorn with his acid spell.
Inevitably in light of the group’s quick regroup Ah-Leph was able to look into the ruins of the keep. Once in he beamed of day light and illuminated from his body when two Vrocks appeared and the black Unicorn once again. As the group began to prepare to leave Ah-Leph had seen an approaching woman with sunken eyes and symbol of Iuz on her. It took every from of self discipline to withdraw and leave with his friends.The group teleported back to Chandl into the temple of Pelor where they revealed the morning events.
Big rocks pummeling the heroes, nasty little demons, nasty BIG demons, and an undead general... very fun!
It took about 2 hours just to get through the ruined gatehouse. Good times.
I really enjoy reading your campaign journals now that I've met all you guys and got to play in Steve's campaign even for just a few hours. I'd love to be a millionaire and fly my private plane to Vegas just to join you guys. I learned so much in just a few hours--I've organized my dice in a tray like Steve for easy grabbing in a hurry and I've started using the initiative cards (love that!). I've also started rolling ALL my dice out in the open with a little emulation of the Greer flair for the dramatic that I saw last month...but the best thing is--MY WIFE IS GOING TO LET ME TURN OUR GARAGE INTO A PERMANENT GAME ROOM!! I'm going to wire it up with a couple of webcams and an expensive teleconferencing phone so that some out of town friends can join our regular game (and so that those who can't drive over for the game might still join the game via remote). Two friends of mine who are good woodworkers are going to help me build a customized gaming table (and I'm going to put battlemats down and put plexiglass on top as well). This project will take a few months to complete, but I'm very happy and excited about it (can you tell?). Thanks for all the inspiration and hopefully I'll get a chance to see you all again next year if my wife qualifies for nationals again.
Sounds like WE need the private jet to come over to YOUR place! Sounds really cool. When designing your game table, if you make it as long as mine (9 ft.) don't make the mistake I made by not giving it more support through the mid section. It ends up bowing in the middle.
Make sure you send us a picture of your new game room when it's finished, too!
AS we approached the gatehouse we all of course figured that there would be a trap that lie in wait before us so we cautiously entered the area keeping our eyes peeled. All was going well until Andrew decided to go inside one of the doors leading into the gate house. That is when things went very wrong. First Ah-Leph is struck buy a huge boulder and knocked back 20 feet and then the roof of the gatehouse collapsed on top of Bill and Andrew burying them under 20 feet of rubble. I immediately decided to ignore whoever was throwing the boulders and draw upon Pelor's strength to grow to great size and strength (Righteous Might) and then to focus his energy into myself further bolstering my strength (Divine Power)then proceeded to hurl rock and stone at a truely alarming rate until finally along with everyones help we got to them in time before they suffocated. Next Savaun and Ah-Leph came under the attack of someone using telekinesis to try and pull there weapons from there hands. They succeded in getting Ah-Leph's sword from him and he made case after it. That is when I ran up toward a hole in the keeps inner walls trying to find the source of the attacks. Upon getting within just a few feet of the opening a large group of creatures came out to meet us. They were well known to me and I informed the party that they were not to engage in melee combat with these things because they would suffer as much injury as they inflicted upon the creatures back onto themselves. So Mira Luna and Solstin proceeded to make short work of them with some assistance from the rest of us. All the while we were being pelted by these huge boulders from some unseen attackers. Then the DeathBringer and his Swordwraiths showed up and I cast a light spell at him which seemed to do him some harm at that point I was crushed under a huge rock and fell unconscious. I awoke which must of been only a moment later and quickly got to my feet. The DeathBringer had retreated and all of his undead minions were slain. Tava cast a spell to pull all of us together and we prepared to make a tactical retreat as most of the group had been battered and or flattened by these boulders that were seemingly flying at us from all sides. That is when the Vrocks and the Black Unicorn appeared around us and we new for certain that it was time to go. We had to wait for Ah-Leph to get close enough so we could teleport away so we split up with Mira Luna, Solstin and myself each taking a few of the party members back to Chendyl to regroup and heal up. A few blows were struck before we could leave but no one was seriously injured and we all arrived safely in the temple of Pelor common grounds. Now we must regroup and plan our next assault.
Beyond Destiny Stone #7
It was apparent the reclaiming of Black Hawk Keep was going to take several attempts by the party and it was decided by Sulstan and Corallus that extra planar help was going to be required. They needed some funds from the group and had gone into the temple of Pelor to summon a Planetar. As the day passed Ah-Leph had ventured out on his own hoping to gather more information on the now present ruins of Black Hawk Keep. From what Ah-Leph had learned they needed to go to Grabford where there apparently were several veterans who have actually tried to retake the lands. Regretfully by the next morning upon summoning the Angel the group teleported just a mile a way from the keep to take part in enjoying a heroes feast. After the meal they were ready to go and immediately teleported once again just outside the tower of the keep where it was planed to enter via a shape stone spell by Corallus.
The nave of the Keep was filled with undead demons and wraiths. As the battle ensued, rocks were pelting the angel as a skirmish line was made to hold off the undead. Corallus reshaped the side wall to little affect as the wall was heavily bolstered up with rebar. Mira Luna had melted a five foot square of the metal and Andrew squeezed in. Once the undead were in part neutralized it could be heard not too far off the Vrocks partaking in a dance of destruction. Many of the party members had taken damage as well as destroying the remaining undead. Corallus was beginning to become frustrated to use his healings instead of other magic. Eventually the party had split up in two different groups; the Angel along with Andrew, Mira Luna and Sulstan went to go neutralize the Vrocks. As Sulstans familiar Tava went incorporeal to search out the inner parts of the keep. Ah-Leph with Sulstan, Corallus and Tysis went on in pursuit to find the burnt out circular room where it was expected to find the cylinder with the scroll believed to be Savauns birth right.
As the Vrocks continued to do the dance of destruction, after using a flying spell Sulstan was able to send forth a blistering holy spell when without seeking any form of healing was killed immediately from the next vial wave of destruction and just as he was falling from flight a rock had pelted him from across the nave sending his dead, lifeless body to the far wall of the nave. Mira Luna sent forth a volley of magic missies to reduce the number of mirror images of Vrocks. The angel did everything in its power to dispatch the Vrocks. Eventually two Vrocks were destroyed as the remaining two went away. Tava was last seen hovering over the body of Sulstan as the other group of adventures was meeting with some grizzly opposition.
Ah-Leph had leaded the way in and began to move through the halls of the keep following his instincts to the upper chambers. Corallus and Tysis had chosen not to follow as Savaun continued on to the next floor with Ah-Leph. Regrettably Corallus did not take Ah-Lephs advice and was struck by some disastrous ray from an undead beholder, immediately they took flight up the stairs as Ah-Leph was preparing to open a door. As the door slowly opened a Morog was waiting in the shadows unleashing its feral tongue at Ah-Leph. Corallus made an attempt to turn the undead creature to no avail and was able to heal him self from the beholder attack as Tysis was covering the rear. Ah-Leph continued to strike many a heavy blows with his sword as Savaun continued to cheer him on. Ah-Leph went face to face with the Morog at the door way making it impossible for any one else to get in to attack. Just as the creature was about to fall it withdrew to a nearby room in which an Iuz priestess came forth. In the rear of the group with Ah-Leph the angel had arrived incorporeally to advise the group that Sulstan was dead. It was then the priestess had succeeded in turning Ah-Leph and to add insult to injury was able to send forth a fiendish spell that injured the group less the Angel. Ah-Leph hasted, made his way out to the lower parts of the keep and eventually outside where he was pelted by rocks. Other party members withdrew to eventually teleport back to Chendl. The angel summoned by Sulstan had taken his body along with Tava through some form of plane shift as the remainder of the group returned by teleportation to the temple of Pelor in Chendl. This is where we ended for the night.
Never have I seen so much damage dealt by a Dance of Ruin! Theme song for the night = "The Chicken Dance".
The problem stemmed from the players not realizing what was happening to them after several waves of crackling energy had washed over them. Because the vrocks having a ho-down were deep in the shadows of part of the keep, there was enough concealment (even though a good part of the wall had been destroyed there) that they could't see what was going on until they actually got close enough to get some light in there. And on and on they danced. Them vrocks were having a helluva ho-down!
When 2 of them went down, the others teleported away to hide and lick their wounds. But that didn't stop them from continuing to knock a few people up side their heads with some 300 lb. blocks. A ruined keep makes for great ammunition!
We appeared outside the keep as the planetar wished and he conjured up a mighty feast for us before we were to head into battle. Solstin then teleported us just outside the tower of the keep and I stoneshaped an opening in the wall to try and gain quick access inside. Things did not go exactly as planned since once I removed the stone there was still massive rods of metal barring our way into the keep as well as a host of new creatures to fight that were obviously waiting for us to return. MIra Luna used a metal metal spell to detroy a large section of the bars so that with a little effort we could squeeze through them and into the keep but we first had to deal with the Deathbringer and his Black Unicorn. The Planetar made short work of the Deathbringer with an implosion spell and Solstin changed to Black Unicorn into a large rat thus taking them both out of the picture rather quickly. All was going well until a huge wave of dark energy washed over us without anyone in sight. We proceeded to dispatch the few undead and lesser demons quickly and Andrew proceeded into the keep while the Planetar went to look for the source of this strange energy. Andrew quickly came running out and informed me that a very vile undead attacked him and from his description I knew it was a Mohrg a very powerful and deadly mennace to be sure. Then the wave hit use again and I was forced to heal everyone since I could see it was talking its toll on them as well as myself. After Ah-Leph engaged the Mohrg and I hit him with some holy spells he retreated inside at this point the party split up which is where things started to go very wrong. I, Ah-Leph, Savaun and Tysis went in after the Mohrg while the rest went to find the Vrocks that were causing us so must harm. I should of thought of it earlier but it is so rare of an occurance that it did not come to mind. They were doing a choas dance in which three of them focused there energies to expell that horrid energy in a huge radius around them. We followed and again seperated with myself and Tysis together and Ah-Leph and Savaun heading upstairs. Tysis made a comment about it not being good to split up and I agreed so we started to head upstairs when a bolt of energy came from the shadows and I felt as thou I was about the be unraveled at the seems (Disintegrate spell and I failed my save) but although I felt as though I had been kit by one of those huge biulders again I was able to make it up the stairs and away from the undead beholder that I had seen cast this horrible spell at me. We arrived just in time to see Ah-Leph fighting the Mohrg and I tried yet again to detroy him but I could not succeed no matter how hard I tried so I healed up and again unleashed more holy wraith into him. He again retreated this time callling out for help in the form of the evil priestess who quickly made Ah-Leph flee in terror and at that point the Planetar arrived telling us that Solstin had died and that it was time to leave. We all made our way outside knowing that such travel was not possible inside this tower and just as we were gathering up to leave the Planetar planeshifted with Solstin taken him to a location unknown to us. The rest of us returned to Chendyl to mend our wounds and I was going to find out why the Planetar took my friend away like that rather than letting us heal him but I caanot do anything until tomorrow so for now I shall rest and regain my strength.
Oh what fun I am having!... all I see around me is how badly this is going to end for all of us. We had our first casualty today, and it was in the form of my very good friend Solstin, and what is more his body was spirited away by some thing I thought was our friend, or at least called in and paid to help us. But I guess that cannot truely be blamed on him, after all, it appeared as though we were one big disorganized bunch of drunken frat boys trying to liberate a keg of ale. I mean how often do parties split up and then live to tell about it? Not very often from what I have heard, from the one or two remaining, who were smart enough to GTFO, when things looked there bleakest. But we went for the grand old divide and die routine, and well some how most of us made it out. As for the damn minions of hell the vrocks, them I can not understand (and this is the part where I correct steve) I found them, and they were doing some sort of dance that was sending out wave after wave of deadly energy, I tried telling my fellows when to duck and cover, but no one would listen to me, even after they could tell I was not getting hurt. Any way, so I step up, and see 12 of these vile creatures, and I know, this will be the end of me, but alas I have lived a rather good life, and I have given up on my fellow adventures as lost anyway, I mean how can we hope to take on the insides of this keep if we can't even defeat those gaurding the outside as a group? This is where I learn that only some of these images I see before me are real, and that shortly I shall know the real from the fake. Well anyway I am there stabbing away at one of them and I finally send back to where it came from, so that leaves 3 for one still enough to continue this vile dance they had been doing, and our new ally, this angel planetar thing, decides to quit using his magics, which are not working that well anyway, and wade into combat, he sets himself up in a flanking postion with me, and just as I am ready to open that wonderful keg of whoop ass, the vrocks decide that now is the time to stop there dance and flee. I did manage to cut another one to shreds as he attemped to flee, leaving only two left. It still plagues my mind as to why they decided at that moment to flee after we had been attacking them for a few rounds, and they just seemed to be content to stay and do what they do best that damned old "chicken dance"
Well anyway, I have learned from this experience and I know that I will be better equiped to fight them next time we foolhardly adventure back to Blackhawk Keep. I keep thinking to myself that now is the time to just disappear into the night and leave these friends, and this life behind. And then this little voice in the back of my head tells me how wrong that would be, for these are my true friends, and I know that none of them would ever leave me, in fact most of them would die to protect me, and so even though I am most certain of my doom, I shall continue on with them, and maybe just maybe if I do perish then Sauvan, if he lives though it will erect a monument to me, within the walls of Blackhawk, so all can know that even though I knew my death was coming, I stayed and fought on, and maybe, just maybe, if my family finds out what I did here, they can forgive me.
Beyond Destiny Stone #8
It appears our cause has not gone with out notice, the trip to Bradford has gathered a small contingency of followers to take on Blackhawk Keep. Fifteen fighters and a Paladin of Heironeous with provisions and supplies came with us, along with a war wagon to Blackhawk Keep. Sulstan has not returned to whatever place he had been taken by the angel and I am very disturbed that an angel had broken his agreement of nineteen days to accompany us to help take back Blackhawk Keep.
Truthfully my concerns for the contingency following us in this dangerous attempt had redirected my concerns not for the group of fellow adventurers as well as Savaun but those who have seen battle yet not at the levels we have seen it (5th and 6th level followers, we are 15th level, you do the math). I reluctantly held back on the frontal attack that Corallus and the rest of the group decided on. Since Mira Luna was only able to take six of us via teleport, I lagged behind on horse a half a mile back at the encampment traveling in haste to catch up with them. It didn’t take more than twenty four seconds in to my ride that I can see at the keep below that the battle was going poorly. Once seeing the huge red dragon breathing out its flame and seeing the scorched earth with the dead of Corallus and then Tysis, I immediately turned my attention to the encampment to tell the men to break camp and return to Bradford.
Shortly there after Mira Luna, Andrew with the proud expression of killing a Vrock Single handedly along with a druid named Drackel and the dead body of Savaun entered into the encampment. The missing dead of Tysis and Corallus lay in waste on the grounds of the keep and it was from there we ended our game for the night.
Beyond Destiny Stone #8
It appears our cause has not gone with out notice, the trip to Bradford...
Grabford! Grabford! G-R-A-B-Ford. Aaaarrgghh!
Grabford! Grabford! G-R-A-B-Ford. Aaaarrgghh!Beyond Destiny Stone #8
It appears our cause has not gone with out notice, the trip to Bradford...
GRABFORD!!! You would think as a character so close to the story line would know where he use to live would know the name of some of those places close to his home. Yet Ah-Leph still struggles with some memory loss. LOL.
Aarrgh, three more deaths, and Sauvan among them. So now this accursed castle has taken 4 of my friends. This place is worse than Maure. How is it the gods expect us to actually reclaim this keep when our healer has been taken from us. And Tysis, he was a surly old guy, but I did grow to care for him. And then of course Sauvan, he was the one truely binding me to this quest, and its insanity and almost certain death. So the question is what to do now? I sit here holding Brightflame and my future seems so unclear. Should I sell this wonderful piece of equipment, to bring Sauvan back, or should I even care? I know there is no way to bring back all my friends that have fallen in our ill fated attempts to reclaim these grounds. I am beginning to understand why we get laughs when we tell people of our quest, and I can undestand why Blackhawk keep has remained in Iuz's hands for these 30 years. Hopefully in the morning my head will be clear and I will understand in what direction my future lies.
I almost feel bad for you guys. It seems that bad luck, bad tactics, and crucial oversights (like the DM making vulture noises as you approached the keep for the first time yet no vultures were in sight) have been plaguing this group. But it seems appropriate considering the Furyondians have attempted to retake this patch of land for so long and been beaten badly every time they did. I imagine it was much the same for them.
So cheer up, you're in good company!
I almost feel bad for you guys. It seems that bad luck, bad tactics, and crucial oversights (like the DM making vulture noises as you approached the keep for the first time yet no vultures were in sight) have been plaguing this group. But it seems appropriate considering the Furyondians have attempted to retake this patch of land for so long and been beaten badly every time they did. I imagine it was much the same for them.
So cheer up, you're in good company!
Steve, it is not nice to lie, if you were even close to feeling bad for us, the already insanely hard to take castle would not keep adding surprizes for us. I mean they bad guys have held this little patch of land for long enough that I think they would be secure enough in their own abilities with out having to call in back up. That said, I am having a blast! And if Andrew happens to die, he has at least got to use all of his attacks at least once, in the sneaky type way.
Steve, it is not nice to lie, if you were even close to feeling bad for us, the already insanely hard to take castle would not keep adding surprizes for us. I mean they bad guys have held this little patch of land for long enough that I think they would be secure enough in their own abilities with out having to call in back up. That said, I am having a blast! And if Andrew happens to die, he has at least got to use all of his attacks at least once, in the sneaky type way.I almost feel bad for you guys. It seems that bad luck, bad tactics, and crucial oversights (like the DM making vulture noises as you approached the keep for the first time yet no vultures were in sight) have been plaguing this group. But it seems appropriate considering the Furyondians have attempted to retake this patch of land for so long and been beaten badly every time they did. I imagine it was much the same for them.
So cheer up, you're in good company!
Heh! I never lie unless there's a DM screen in front (or kinda beside) me. I said "almost", remember? :)
:Staring down from above:
They are going to need an aweful lot of help to accomplish there goals. This has indeed become a most strenuous and near impossible task to complete but in the end I am sure they will prevail. I for one am going to take a much needed rest and enjoy the splendors of sitting in Pelor's good grace. I shall simply observe and hope all goes well.
Whats this I see in Grabford..... Someone of old whose path has lead him back from the wilderness. Perhaps he will help turn the tide in there favor.
Well, now that I've turned in my draft for the new AP to the folks at Paizo, I have a bit more time for logging the adventures of the group. Let me just get back into the swing of things by briefly recounting what's been happening.
Savaun is the self-exiled heir to a small spot of land in the Kingdom of Furyondy and the group has agreed to help him retake Blackhawk Keep, his by rights. The Furyondians have been trying for many years, but suffered great losses in every attempt. Now they are content to gather their forces in Grabord some 20 miles to the south and wait for the most opportune time to strike again.
Man, I hate when work interrupts a good train of thought!
Anyway, as I was saying... Savaun is not the only one with ties to Blackhawk Keep. The risen martyr, Ah-Leph, also has a history there. It seems that as his memory is returning slowly, he is realizing that he was once a vassal of Lord Blackhawk, Savaun's father. Ah-Leph was there when the keep fell during the Greyhawk Wars and was captured by the forces of Iuz. His history after that is still fuzzy and altogether unpleasant, though he knows one thing for sure: he died and came back.
Well Savaun and Ah-Leph's goal of retaking Blackhawk Keep and taking the fight to Iuz himself eventually have become the new focus for the party.
First things, first. Savaun and the party went to Chendl the capital of Furyondy for Savaun to claim his rights to Blackhawk Keep, but since he was just a child when it was overrun and has spent most of his life away from Furyondy, he really has no proof of his identity and no physical pedigree showing his geneology.
Thus, the significance of a vision Ah-Leph had which he posted a few weeks ago. They believed that somewhere in the keep they will find that proof, perhaps in the scroll tube Ah-Leph envisioned.
But, now is the hard part. For nearly 30 years the forces of Furyondy have been trying to retake all of the land Iuz claimed. Grabford was one of the most recent and attempts have been made on Blackhawk Keep repeatedly. The dead from those failed assaults litter the surrounding town and have been raised as wights and other even fouler things.
The party's first attempt on the keep was a failure, but they were able to withdraw with no loss of life. The pelting they took from vrocks hidden in the crumbling watchtowers and the keep itself were just too damaging to ignore. Then there was the deatbringer riding an abyssal unicorn and his host of sword wraiths.
Well, the second time, they were more prepared and new what they were facing. Solstin had made a pact with an angel from Thalasia to assist the party. However, the vrocks dealt the party blow after blow with their dance of ruin. Splitting up had its benefits, but in the end it also weakened them to the extent that they were force to flee again. Solstin died in the attempt and was taken back to the heavenly realms with the angel. What has happened to the 2 is unknown other than that Solstin is well per his communication with Coralis and should be rejoing them soon.
The third assault was a bit different. When the party traveled overland from Chendl to which they had teleported after their second defeat, the gathered a small following of veteran soldiers that when they learned what was up wanted to be a part of it.
Alas, they were significantly weaker warriors than the party and proved more of a hindrance than anything else. However, they were brought along and a crude defendable base camp was created about half a mile or so south of Blackhawk Keep from which the party planned to make as many assaults as was needed.
Along the way their, the party learned that a dragon (blue or red, the sources weren't sure) had recently arrived at the keep, as seen from a distance.
The party decided to teleport to the outer walls of the keep and start their 3rd assault from there. Ah-Leph had major qualms with it and elected to follow from the base camp on horseback.
Well, the RED dragon and fire giant soldier that had been called up to help defend the keep proved to be too much for the party. Coralis was immolated, Tysis's head was crushed by a stone block courtesy of one of the remaining vrocks as he rolled around on the ground trying to put himself out from the clinging liquid flame the dragon had breathed, and Savaun was cut in twain down the middle by the fire giant's flaming greatsword.
Andrew managed to find one of the hidden vrocks and completely oblitered the thing with a flurry of kukri blows, leaving one left in the keep hiding somewhere. The red dragon had been badly injured by Savaun before he died, but it had retreated into the keep and when it reemerged it was healed of most of its wounds. They could only assume that the hateful priestess of Iuz was in the shadows there and had healed it.
Ah-Leph had never even made it to the keep on horseback by the time a 3rd retreat was called. Mira Luna, Andrew, and a new friened named Drakel (a druid) all teleported away while Ah-Leph rushed back to their base camp and ordered a hasty retreat back to Grabford.
The party has been left scratching their collective heads and going over new plans to accomplish what would seem impossible. But nothing is impossible for these guys. So, we'll see what new strategy they devise this week and if they actually succeed.
A small light advances upon what is left of the gang of adventurers and slowly coalesces into a sprite of a girl, the eladrin known to the party as Tava - Solstin's familiar.
"There's something terribly important in that keep!" she said franticly, clearly being in a state of panic. "In the small tower - well the shell that is the small tower - is a book. Solstin sent me here to tell you guys. The tower was burned and there are no floors left, no stairs, just a 50' high ceiling and burned rubbish on the floor. In that rubbish is a book written in Abyssal. Solstin thinks it is of DIRE importance. A book like that has no business in the old artifacts of this place. It must be the key to what we're looking for. You guys need to get in there and get it."
Just as Tava finished that last sentence there was an audible "bwong", the telltale mark of someone arriving via teleport. Solstin suddenly appears next to Tava.
"What, you didn't think I'd let you guys have all this fun alone, did you?" Solstin said, more directed towards Tava than the rest of the group. "I need a break form the celestials - they're working me hard for bringing me back..."
Now they are content to gather their forces in Grabord some 20 miles to the south and wait for the most opportune time to strike again.
G-R-A-B-F-O-R-D!!! GRABFORD!!!
Grabass, Grabchevy, whatever. That's what I get for rushing through a post while at work ;) Rook to you Mr. Pharez.
Grabass, Grabchevy, whatever. That's what I get for rushing through a post while at work ;) Rook to you Mr. Pharez.
;-)
Friday, August 4
The party returned to Grabford and crossed paths once more with Padril the elven scout. Just as surley and beligerent as ever, the party accepted him back into their midst for a return to Blackhawk Keep. They also attracted someone that was very interested in Savaun's sword, the Blackhawk heirloom, that Andrew was now carrying around. It turns out that his sister Amandira Blackhawk (aka Blades) was in this area. Quite an accomplished leader of a small squadron of warriors in Grabford, she was disturbed to hear that her brother whom she had not seen in many years was dead. After visiting his corpse in the temple Pelor, she requested that the party allow her to come along since it was HER family's keep that they were trying to retake. After a long evening of talking with her, they agreed and were even joined by a cleric of Boccob that couldn't help overhearing that they suspected that the forces of Iuz were trying to locate the pieces of the Regalia of Evil, which some of the books that had survived a fire that had consumed the keep's library described according to Tava, Solstin's coure familiar. Oh, yeah. Solstin finally returned after providing some services for the angelic folk of Thalasia.
Well, the party devised to come in flying via teleport to the roof of the keep. It worked and things were going well until Ah-Leph blundered into a Symbol of Insanity that temporarily rendered Padril insane until Calendae, the cleric of Boccob, restored him to his faculties with a heal spell.
By that time, Blistermane the red dragon down in the bailey, had heard the commotion and came up to investigate. Not long after that, the high priestess of Iuz, Midnight Jack the mass-murderer that was now a mohrg under the preistess's command, and the fire giant dragon rider all converged on the rooftop battlements.
Long story short, all but Midnight Jack were destroyed. The mohrg had apparently dashed down to the burnt out archivist's library and scooped up all of its mistress's research material and fled downstairs to the first level. In pursuing it, Padril separated from the party and triggered a Symbol of Death. Unfortunately, its magic was just too powerful to overcome and it claimed his life.
Ah-Leph nearly intercerpted Midnight Jack via a hole in the ground floor wall Coralis had made with a stoneshape spell. But not in time to stop it from leaping down into a caved in portion of the ground floor that opened into a larger pillar-lined chamber beneath it from whence a beholder had attacked the party just days prior.
The party regrouped on the ground level and Ah-Leph led a flying charge down into the chamber after the beholder floated up and sent several eye rays at them. Suddenly the twisted and foul aberration opened its large central eye and sent Ah-Leph dropping to the ground minus all magical aids. Its feared antimagic cone made it tough for the rest of the group to approach it without being "demagicked". However, Andrew and Amandira Blackhawk went in after him.
Something very foul waited for them there. A massive Balor heart that had turned black and petrified was driven into the flagstones and radiated thin vile vapors. As soon as the 2 came in contact with it, they suddenly doubled over to the ground and began undergoing a painful transformation. Their eyes turned bloody. Their teeth multiplied and lengthened. Their fingernails extended into claws. And their skin hardened and took on a sallow appearance.
Calandae the cleric recognized it as some kind of supernatural corruption and realized that he could stop it with a heal spell. However, when he attempted it on Andrew, the affliction proved resistant to his spell.
After nearly a minute of soulwrenching screams from the two, their pain subsided, but the transformation into corrupt human beings, bent and feral looking, remained. By this time the beholder and mohrg were destroyed and the keep was finally liberated. But the cost was dear...
This is a most interesting change, I feel stronger, yet slower. My body feels tougher, and I do believe I can withstand a greater deal of pain. Well, anyway this is all something I will have to investigate futher, but at a later time, for now I have a castle to explore, mayhap I can find something in here that will help with my quest. And besides I need to take some time away from the others, especially Ah-Leph, I just don't feel as close to him as I did before, I just can't totally forgive him for not being there when the others fell.
The others... hmmm it has been a long time since I thought of people as simply the others, normally I would call them friends, if even only to myself. No matter, it must be that a weight has finally lifted off my shoulders... Blackhawk keep is finally retaken, and Blades better honor her dead brothers wishes and let me erect a tower of my own, if not, then she shall be dealt with...
And now the question becomes what to do with this sword, this Brightflame, I had thought about giving it back to Savaun, but he is dead, and I really see no reason to bother the gods in asking to send his soul back to inherit his body, I mean if he could not keep it from being split in twain in the first place why should I use my spoils to bring him back? Would Blades want it? Brightflame is not the type of sword she seems to favor. Is there something I could gain by giving it to her? Or should I just hold on to it until the time comes that I can find some one who would like to purchase it?
Wait what am I thinking of course I will assist in bringing him back from the dead and returning his precious sword, that is what a friend would do... but his he truely a friend? What did he ever do for me?... And not only that, but if we bring him back where does it stop? Tysis? Corallis? Padril? I mean do we bring all these failures back? Do we use all the loot we just acquired to revive those who played no part in its retrieval? Well maybe not no part, but a very small part?
Of course we do, what the hell am I thinking? But why, why is this so important me? I know not, I think at one time it might have been important, but it does not seems so now...
Hmmm this is something I might have to think on a little longer... I wonder what Blades has to say about the whole thing? She seems to be the only other one who went through what I went through... I shall have to talk with her about this.
Beyond Destiny Stone #9
It was with long faces we began our forced march to Grabford. Savaun lied dead after being cleaved in two by the fire giant. The missing bodies of Corallus and Tysis also waxed heavy on the hearts of the group. I could feel no emotion although the fact that my ward is dead makes me question what it is I must do next. As Vassal of the Black Hawk family I was the only one who can hold the seat until the rightful airs sit upon the seat of nobility. To raise Savaun was out of our reach but perhaps fate will allow for yet another. Savaun had often mentioned about a sister and somewhere in this region she may show her face.
It was at a tavern in Grabford as the group sulked of there misfortune. I watched tentatively at the table with them when a stout dwarf appeared seemingly out of no where. He was rather rood and with out good form even Guardian took notice and wishes to engage this brigand till it was made apparent through familiararity that Andrew knew the Dwarf now turned into some hooded elf that seemed to be called Padril. I knew of this person only in passing conversation with the remainder of the group. I know for certain Corallus disliked him adding to my puzzlement of his presence. As Andrew and Padril continued to talk in a language I was most unfamiliar when a young woman with seemingly familiar face approached the group. It was becoming a form of three ring circus as all seemed to be talking all at one time. Eventually we recognized the young woman to be Savaun’s younger sister. Although taking up the name as Blades she drew great attention to her self when she began to dance upon the tavern table. We were truly dismayed that out of the truest of nobles Sir Black Hawk this was the Aires of the birth right to perhaps to take the Fathers throne.
She was nothing more than a gutter tramp, professing great sympathy for her brothers demise, I am afraid that my place in this world will go much longer than to be anticipated. Our group had yet added another, an Elvin mage was brought to the attention of our group as many watched on at the young woman dancing at the table. Apparently he had over heard the gist of our conversation especially the idea of learning more of the knowledge that we may have. So it was formed as a new group and we by first light would teleport back to the Keep but this time from to the very top. Apparently there were things that Tava had seen that needed our immediate attention. Those things happened to be some books written in Abyssal right along with the scroll case yet to be found. So we teleported at first light as Mira Luna and Sulstan began there attempt to magically burrow a hole into the top portion of the Keep.
As time passed in fear of any surprises I searched out a nearby iron door, regrettably there was a symbol that activated upon my approach and caused Padril to go insane. Eventually he had left the group on to attack the new mage Caldea. Ultimately he was brought back to his old self when the Red Dragon came over the northern part of the keep. Everyone went into battle form as I took a potion of blink followed by a Divine Shield. Sulstan sent forth several cold spells to the dragon causing it great harm. I was able to draw an attack to little affect to watch the large creature fall to the far end of the top of the keep, plummeting to a deathly stand still as it fell from its flight. It was soon after that the rider of the red dragon, the fire giant, came over the side in much dismay. He took to the fight as Sulstan; Mira Luna began pummeling the giant with all forms of magic’s. Myself, Andrew, Padril and young black hawk strike the Fire giant who soon was felled by the combine forces of our attacks. Evil magic’s was sent up to our area causing minor effects. I had looked earlier from above the keep looking down seeing the Priestess and Morag below gathering up books. It became apparent we had to stop them from leaving the keep as the Morg came up a flight of stairs trying to cause harm to the group a then withdrew for the priestess to bring forth a final battle.
It took some time plus the loss of Padril that we were able to acquire the books and pretty much single handedly killed the Beholder. What concerned me was the corrupted magic’s placed upon Andrew and the young Blackhawk. It appears a bit unseemly that they both appear a bit demonic. Even though we have succeeded in retaking Blackhawk keep, I can not help but feel a bit of failure in light of the Birthright of those who are to over see this place. Savaun is dead and his sister, well she bares the scars of battle not unlike her brother she lacks in the nobility of her father.
“There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief.” I find myself in a moral dilemma, my oath, my honor and my conscience I pass the time to wrestle while I seek that in which the vision leads. “Do they not err that devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to them that devise good.” Watch and wait; “Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.” I must get to Chendl.
Friday, August 11
I've been struggling with burn-out with this campaign recently and discussed it with the group tonight. I'm more excited right now about starting the Savage Tide AP and the rest of the group seems to be pretty excited about getting into it as well. We've left some things hanging with the Beyond the Destiny Stone campaign, but perhaps my players can post a little epilogue about what will happen with each of their characters after re-taking Blackhawk Keep.
What I can say is that in the aftermath of the reclammation, the forces of Furyondy take up occupation of the keep and surrounding environs with the blessing of Amendira Blackhawk who is now surrounded by her personal retainers and henchmen that she left waiting for her back in Grabford. Her and Andrew, however, have a struggle on their hands as the corruption that marks their bodies gnaws at their souls, turning their thoughts and intentions evil. For Amendira, it would appear that she may be suffering from megalomania that worsens with each passing day. For Andrew, his selfish and self-serving impulses begin to come to the fore.
Mira Luna and Solstin may part ways with this group. Their interests in magic and increasing their abilities in it, may lead them on to further adventures apart from this group.
Ah-Leph has a deep personal struggle to deal with. He is sworn to the Blackhawk family, but how can he in good conscience serve a woman whose corruption is more and more evident day by day? And Iuz himself must be destroyed. He knows that above all else, he must lay the evil demigod low.
So who knows what twists and turns await the group?
This has been a very fun campaign for me to run, but it is time to move on to the next one, which I anticipate to be even funner. To all that have enjoyed reading our adventurers' exploits, thanks for dropping by. To those that just dropped by for the first time, you can read more of what went before in "The Destiny Stone - Las Vegas, NV".
If anyone is interested in following my new campaign and getting a sneak peak into the Savage Tide Adventure Path, be sure to check out "From Sasserine to the Abyss: The Savage Tide".
Beyond Destiny Stone Epilog
It has become quite apparent that the state of the current affairs of Black Hawk is in question. So I have taken it upon myself to travel to Grabford to enlighten the Priest of Heironeous as well as Pelor of the conditions of Blackhawk Keep. I will inform the good Lieutenant Michael that his assistance to secure the keep is needed. In the mean time I will pay for whatever expenses there may be to raise Savaun, he is not the best choice of leaders for his father’s rein, but the most likely one. As for his sisters corrupted being I am sure whatever following in her leadership abilities she had will certainly diminish especially in light of her appearance nor would be tolerated to any one who is in opposition of anything that remotely appears to be of Iuz. In these situations I will make public to those in position of authority of the Birth Right of Blakhawk Keep. In this I will not only fulfill my honor bound pledge of Lord Black Hawk, I will have succeeded in the establishment of his Keep and lands.
Once Savaun has established himself as Lord of the keep I will then move on to the place in Iuz to diminish his strength and do whatever it is to take the evil artifacts that give him power. If in this time I do not die I will continue my stay in the Service of Blackhawk until my day of Ascension. Let honor and dignity be restored to Blakhawk. End of Journal.
Note: I have always enjoyed playing Paladins in the past years of D&D, with the thanks to Stephen Greer I have totally enjoyed playing a Risen Martyr who in Character was both multilayered and very complex. I used my experiences with dealing with people who have suffered SRA & MPD to expound on the personality of Ah-Leph. Stephen made it exciting in playing such complex characters as well as those who came before Ah-Leph. I have enjoyed playing and will continue to do so in whatever campaign we go into. It was also helpful to be joined by the rest of the party of adventurers in which I have seen growth as well as maturity. Regrettably there are those who continue to make the same mistake over and over again hoping for a better outcome, and to them G-d Bless in their endeavors where ever they are. :-)