It is I, everyone's favorite bard. I have not been feeling myself as of late though.
You have my permission to feel yourself.
Hmmm. Maybe wait until you're in private for all that "feeling" of yourself. There are women around, you know. :)
Friday, November 10
Two happy things today. My wedding anniversary and D&D game night. How much better does life get?
Anyway, Rob and Andrea couldn't make it, so their characters were simply ghosted out for the evening.
4 Ready'Reat, 596 CY
The party finished checking out the Sea Wyvern and then Joe recommended that they search the bottom of the cove for treasure that would have sunk to the sea bottom after the fires. Spending a good hour or so swimming around down there, Joe came up with some pieces of what was a fist-sized black pearl before it had been broken into 5 pieces.
The group then returned to the beach and were going to comb through the rubble when they spotted a woman climbing up the rocks some 150 ft. to the east near a rope bridge crossing a chasm in the rocks. She was shouting things at someone or something down below her.
A moment later as she backed away from the ledge, the area swarmed with savage, mutated pirates clambering up after her with their cutlasses clenched between their teeth.
The woman spotted the party and gave them suspicious glares. She warned, "Don't get in me way or you'll end up like this lot!" She then commenced to carve up the pirates attempting to surround her.
There were 8 of the savages in all. Four came at the woman sailor while the others decided to try the adventurers for size.
The fight lasted about a minute. The woman who the party learned was Captain Harliss Javell related the following after it was clear that the group was not going to attack her:
Vanthus had been there only the day before and attempted to steal a large black pearl after ingratiating himself with the pirates there in Kraken's Cove with the help of his lady friend. When he tried to steal the pearl a fight ensued and the thing broke open and spewed some kind of horrible green tinged gas everywhere. Afterward, most of the crew of her ship and the others there had turned into cannibalistic mutants and slaughtered everyone else. She and her first mate had survived though. She had been cornered in a cave until just recently when she made a break for it using a flooded tunnel. The flesh-eaters jumped in the water after her and the rest the group saw for themselves.
Joe started asking about Vanthus in more detail and Harliss told him that she had sent her man to settle matters with him, his sister, and their parents back in Sasserine. When Joe realized she had planned for them all to be killed, he decided he couldn't let her walk away.
A brief fight ensued in which she dropped the monk Graddick with a single well-placed dagger thrust between the ribs and sliced Joe's arm and side open pretty good. When it was clear how superior of a swordswoman she was, the party backed off and let her go her way. She said she was heading into the jungle to see someone that could get "the sick" out of her that the savage pirates had infected her with.
Sareena and Gradick were infected as well and needed quick attention. At first, they thought about following her into the jungle to see if they could get help from whoever it was Harliss was going to see, but that idea was quickly discarded.
The group grabbed what loot they thought they could sell back in Sasserine and got Sea Wyvern ready to sail. Colombia returned to her smaller sail boat and the 2 vessels made haste back to Sasserine.
4 Ready'Reat - 5 Ready'Reat, 596 CY (Midnight)
Joe used all of his knowlege of seamanship to urge their ship on. They made the voyage back to Sasserine in about 12 hours. They arrived at midnight to find the city celebrating Wormfall. The streets were full of revelers, performers, and worm-themed displays to celebrate the defeat of the horrific Kyuss a year ago.
As the party made their way with through the crowded streets Gradick bumped a gnome reveler that became irate and started throwing punches at him. When Gradick clocked the little drunk, his buddy, a muscle bound half-orc shouted, "Don't you hit my little buddy, Kr'tehklik'teck! (which is half-orc for spawn of an Elf)" He punched Gradick so hard that he rocked back on his heels and nearly dropped on his arse. When Joe came up and clipped the little gnome in the head who was still trying to get a lick in on Gradick, the half-orc brawler glared at him and warned that he was next.
Gradick got a hit in on the other half-orc, but the raging half-orc pugilist hit him two more times and knocked him out cold. He and the gnome then glared at the others who had decided to back off and then they wandered off into the crowd to refill the gnome's spilled mug.
Gradick was revived with some healing and the party continued on to Vanderboren Manor. They were nearly mowed down by an out of control wagon decorated like a big Kyuss worm just minutes later. Joe tried to stand in the way to stop it as it barreled toward an open-air tavern full of unaware revelers and was run down, but survived the incident. A moment later it struck into the crowd of taverngoers and killed several of them and set fire to the tavern. Luckily Sareena had warned them in time for some of them to get out of the way, but sadly about 8 people died. The party used healing and aided the injured in other ways as well as helping to put out the fires.
When the watch showed up, they explained what had happened and gave a description of the men that had been running alongside the wagon trying to get it under control. They were conspicuosly missing after the tragedy and would be searched out to answer for their negligence.
Finally, nearing Vanderboren Manor, the group faced one last obstacle. Some street performers on stilts and a woman in a skeleton leotard attacked them. The group was burned pretty good by alchemist's fire thrown at them by the men on stilts and the woman in skeletal attire landed some good punches on Joe and Sareena, but the party prevailed, killing 5 of them and incapacitating the other two.
A wyvern (or wivern) is a winged reptilian lengendary creature. The wyvern is a type of dragon with two legs and two wings.The rest of its appearance can vary, such as appearing with a tail spade or with a serpent-like tail.Variants of the wyvern include the sea-wyvern, which has a fish-like tail.
I never thought I see my self at the sheave of a barque. In our prepartion to shuving off I was holding back the tears for fear of the fate of Lady Lavinia. Captain Harliss Javel turned out to be a far better fight than the most of us and it was perhaps better we leave for another time to finish our engagement. I don't like unfinished business but the life of Lady Lavinia came first.
Once the jib was unfurled Kraken's Cove was history behind the wake of the Sea Wyvern. The crew/Rusty raiders with some direction was able to assist in the voyage home. Sakemma was a quick learn as he took to learning the sailors way. He nimbly climbed to the crows nest keeping watch as some of the group took to rest while others pitched in the regular chores of shoring up the riggings and tightening up the lines. It appeared I was the only one with any formal knowledge of sailing the seas. With great prayers followed with few tears we made Sasserine in great time. We should have been there before first light but some how managed to arrive at midnite. The magic of the Sea Wyvern past through the waters as if floating through air. First sight of the City was the light house. Eventually the speckles of lights all about the city could be seen through the mirky dark. The festivities could be heard as we slowly lowered the fore and aft sails bringing the barque next to the docks.
We tied the Sea Wyvern off to make haste to the Manor House only to be held back by the festive crowds. With the amazing time of arrival from our voyage seemed to be hindered by every possible irritant to our group.
I didn't care for the routy drunks nore for the run away cart, but as we can see the outlines of the Manor house the obstacles became even greater. Fire jugglers on stilts with a masked person hindered our approach. Once tripping them we finally managed to neutralize their attack as well as making two of them ready for interrogation. I looked on in frustration at the Manor House, still hindered from saving Lady Lavinia Vanderboren. My heart grew heavey and my eyes dimmed as the gods had played some game of the heart in which we have taken folly. Where was Lavinia? Is she safe? Is she facing incredible odds? Stay tuned next week. Same Paizo thread. Same Paizo Channel. Same Paizo Time.
Friday, November 17
Rob and Andrea had to miss again. They were celebrating Andrea’s birthday. Happy birthday, Andrea!
Anyway, with no character sheet or stats on Id and Colombia they were once again ghosted.
5 Ready’Reat (predawn)
The party entered the open gates at the wall surrounding Vanderboren Manor and made their way cautiously to the front doors noting the light in one of the master bedrooms upstairs. The doors were partially ajar. Pushing them open the group stepped inside as Joe stuffed an everburning torch in his belt so they could see. Two sets of stairs led up to the balcony of the next level. Doors to left and right led into a library and study, respectively.
From ahead of the group, four frog-like men wearing leather armor and armed with axes, clubs, and javelins stepped into the light. Bullywugs. There was a chorus of “Brrruuuup!” from the creatures as they launched their javelins. Joe was struck with one, but the others missed their targets. The two groups closed with each other and then two more bullywugs descended the stairs to either side of the fray and launched more javelins.
Joe was injured the most from the fight, but the group prevailed and left a heap of bloody bullywug carcasses in their wake as they rushed up the stairs. Joe shouted, “Lavinia!” several times, but there was no response. As they raced across the balcony toward the stairs up to the master bedrooms, a set of double doors to their left suddenly burst open. “Brrruuuup!” More bullywugs hurled javelins at the party. They stopped and turned to engage the frogmen. Gradick closed with them before the rest could respond, but found himself surrounded and stabbed and slashed several times before the rest of the party came to his aid.
The 4 bullwugs were slain and the party took a brief moment to use their healing wands on themselves. Meanwhile, Joe continued to shout, “Lavinia!” as he waited for his comrades to finish healing up.
The party then raced up the steps and found 3 separate doors to the Vanderboren private sleeping chambers. Again, Joe started shouting and was answered by a muffled, grating voice from a male. “In here. I’ve got what ye want.” It was coming from Lavinia’s parents room.
The party approached cautiously and Joe pushed the doors open. Lavinia was tied to a chair next to 3 others-one holding a pair of men from the Jade Ravens, both of them tied and slumped over, the fourth holding Sareena’s Aunt Kora, Lavinia’s major domo. Unfortunately, Kora’s throat gaped from where it had been slit. She was dead.
A half-orc in studded leather held a keenly sharp scimitar to Lavinia’s throat. Lavinia was conscious and watched her troubleshooters intently. A saggy-skinned bullywug armed with a spear was also in the room, breathing heavily through a ruined throat that whistled constantly.
The half-orc grated in a wheezing, slurred voice, “Drop your weapons! (wheeze) Or your lady friend (wheeze) gets it! (wheeze)” To show he meant it, he began to pull the blade across her throat, drawing a trickle of blood, and scowled at the group.
Athearis slowly dropped her club to the ground, then suddenly Lavinia twisted out of her ropes and sprinted across the room to the party of adventurers before the half-orc could stop her. Gradick then stomped in and cast a spell that encased his fists in ice. The bullwug suddenly cast a spell and summoned a dretch still steaming from the Abyss. The creature attacked Joe while Sareena moved in next to Gradick.
Then things turned ugly.
The half-orc sneered, “Where’s that fleadog (wheeze) Vanthus? It’s him (wheeze) we’z after anyway (wheeze).” The party looked confused and said he wasn’t with them and they were looking for him, too. The bullywug cleric shouted, “Brrruuu- (whistle)! She tricked us!”
The half-orc (who the party had now identified as Harliss Javell’s first mate, Drevoraz) snarled, “Then we’ll kill’s ‘em all (wheeze)!” The bullywug cleric summoned another creature, this time a dire rat straight from the steaming fens of the Abyss then moved up behind Drevoraz holding a leafy stick (a wand). The rat attacked Sareena. The dretch attacked Joe. Sakeema sunk an arrow into the demon. Athearis sent a sling bullet in at Drevoraz that missed. Gradick landed a punch on Drevoraz, but the next instant the half-orc first mate slashed open Gradick’s belly spilling his guts out onto the floor and with his back swing, severed his head from his shoulders.
The dretch and abyssal dire rat were gone, but the party suddenly had no desire to stand and fight this half-orc who could kill so quickly. The bullywug cleric uttered a word and touched Drevoraz with his leafy wand and the half-orc’s wounds were healed.
The party suddenly began retreating, with Lavinia leading the way. Drevoraz quickly closed the distance before Joe, Athearis, and Sakeema could follow Lavinia and Sareena. To turn their backs on him meant risking a killing blow. One after the other, they jumped over the bannister surrounding the balcony and dropped the 15 ft. down to the next level with a crash.
Drevoraz and the bullywug priest pursued them, staying right on their heels. The half-orc finally caught up to Joe who was at the rear of the party before he could take the stairs down to the first floor. He savagely kicked Joe’s legs out from under him, hissing, “No you don’t (wheeze)!” The bullywug priest was slower to follow.
Joe risked stumbling to his feet and fleeing down the stairs, though it meant risking a heavy handed blow from the half-orc’s scimitar. Fortunately, Drevoraz swung and missed.
Drevoraz pursued the group down the stairs, but the bullywug went down the other stairs croaking, “Brrruuu-(whistle)! I was promised a sacrifice!” Drevoraz looked concerned, but continued hacking at Joe and wounded Lavinia. Athearis used the party’s healing wand to keep healing Joe and Lavinia’s wounds and finally the party landed enough blows to drop Drevoraz.
Moments later the party converged on the bullywug priest and dropped him as well.
Back upstairs they went and found that the 2 Jade Ravens were alive. A few hits from the healing wand they retrieved from poor Gradick’s remains got the men back to consciousness. One of them, the half-elf named Zan, decided to come with the party to find the rest of the invaders and the missing Jade Ravens that had gotten split up during the initial assault. Lavinia and the older chap stayed in her parents’ chambers and locked/barred the door until it was safe to come out.
The party descended to the first floor and checked the trophy room. There they found 4 more bullywugs, but dispatched them quickly.
We ended our session there.
Its a good day to fight, a good day to cry, a good day to mourn and a good day to die.
We were surrounded by pedestrians and party goers as they all looked on the carnage we had given the assasins. Once we picked up the remains of the alchemist fire and weapons I emmediately handed a sword to a near by party goer who looked on with amazement. I told him he was now in charge, to wait for the city guards and that we will be found in the Vanderboren Manor. We quickly made it through the front gates and into the Manor when all hell seemed to break loose.
Bullywugs!? L A V I N I A!!!
Ya know I am really getting tired of getting the brunt of all the pain I gots to invest in some better armor cause these walking reptiles hurt.
L A V I N I A!!!
(Sigh) Bullywugs!!!
Gradic what are you doing? This hero stuff is going to get you killed one of these days.
L A V I N I A!!!
(Sigh) This isn't going to be easy.
GRADIC!!! (eyes roll back) ok...I'm done. We have the lady!!! But we must make a stand!
Ok The dretch and the dire rat are dispatched. If we can get it so we can get them at range we may have a chance to defeat these assasins.
It took some time at the bottom of the stairs to kill Drevoraz and then his bullywug cleric friend. Since Lavinia was now out of harms way I ran back up the stairs to Lavinias bed chambers to make use of the late Gradic's healing wand to bring life back into the Jade Ravens. Regretfully Aunt Kora was dead and there was no healing her. But as the Jade Ravens came back to life I couldn't help noticeing that the eldest of the two was more than normal concerned about Lavinias well being. Needless to say we gathered together and planed our next assault for the manor house armory. The elder of the two Jade Ravens stayed behind with Lavinia, barracading themselves in the room that was almost too convenient (heart break). What was I thinking, I'm still a kid?
Four more Bullywugs, (sigh) this is going to be a long night.
Your posts are helping me run my ST game. I am just getting done with No Honor and am keeping my game behind yours just so I can see what direction your group takes.
Thanks for the Journal.
All I have to say is I feel bad for that poor monk. If only his meditation and insight could have shown what future was waiting for him, perhaps he would not have been wrapped up with the companions that fate pushed him into.
BTW, this is Kent, Stanley's brother. I have to say Steve is a great storyteller, I had the pleasure of gaming with him one night, and it was a great experience. Keep the story coming and I can't wait to see what my bro dreams up for his next character.
Your posts are helping me run my ST game. I am just getting done with No Honor and am keeping my game behind yours just so I can see what direction your group takes.
Thanks for the Journal.
Very happy to help inspire you. That's what it's all about :)
All I have to say is I feel bad for that poor monk. If only his meditation and insight could have shown what future was waiting for him, perhaps he would not have been wrapped up with the companions that fate pushed him into.
Ah, yes, poor Gradick. It was bound to happen the way he kept jumping out A-HEAD of the party. Who could know that his fate was Heading in this direction?
Ah, Sasserine, I haven't seen your docks in quite some time. I wonder if anyone will even believe it is me. I have no doubt they believe me to be dead, it has been seven years after all. I wonder how the Vanderboren's are fairing. I do so hope that my dear mother, Kora, is still working for them, or if not they know where she is. It will be so very nice to see the whole family again, even little Sarina. I have often wondered about her, she was such a little trouble maker...
What is this? It seems as though we come to Sasserine on the night of the Wormfall. Oh joy, it has been so long since I partook in the pleasures that are Wormfall. Sadly though I must head straight away to Vanderboren Manor, hopefully mom will still be there and she will have a place for me to stay, for I know every inn will be full to its busting points this eve.
(enter into the wonderful Rusty Raiders Tarren Whistlegap, son of Kora Whistlegap, cousin to Sarina) Halfling Rogue
What is this? It seems as though we come to Sasserine on the night of the Wormfall. Oh joy, it has been so long since I partook in the pleasures that are Wormfall.
Heh. Try never, considering it's the first one :p
What is this? It seems as though we come to Sasserine on the night of the Wormfall. Oh joy, it has been so long since I partook in the pleasures that are Wormfall.Heh. Try never, considering it's the first one :p
Well, sorry, I thought, they way you explained it, it was a yearly celebration that had been going on for quite some time. So I guess change that to....
What is this? It seems as though we come to Sasserine on the night of a great party... I wonder what is happening?
A halfling rogue... Is it me or should Stanley just stick with the rogues. He does them so well, and he enjoys them.. You should hear him carry on... :)
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I needs me another Vastiago fix. His character is the most interesting to me. Is he taking the option of swapping out Wizard levels for Shadowcaster as he levels as mentioned in the sidebar in Tome of Magic? Is he headed towards the Noctumancer PRC? Enquiring minds want to know. I also can't wait to hear the in character description of the first time he uses a mystery.
I needs me another Vastiago fix. His character is the most interesting to me. Is he taking the option of swapping out Wizard levels for Shadowcaster as he levels as mentioned in the sidebar in Tome of Magic? Is he headed towards the Noctumancer PRC? Enquiring minds want to know. I also can't wait to hear the in character description of the first time he uses a mystery.
Yes, the plan is to swap his wizard levels out as the option becomes available. Unfortunately, Rob has been dead tired from his 10-12 hour days in cadet training for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. I, too, miss hearing Id's quazi-Dracula voice in my head when I read his posts. He has promised another, but hasn't made good on that yet. I'll have to give him a not-so-gentle nudge on your behalf, Brent.
I needs me another Vastiago fix. His character is the most interesting to me. Is he taking the option of swapping out Wizard levels for Shadowcaster as he levels as mentioned in the sidebar in Tome of Magic? Is he headed towards the Noctumancer PRC? Enquiring minds want to know. I also can't wait to hear the in character description of the first time he uses a mystery.
Im very excited to hear that people like my posts! I actually do plan on acquiring the Noctumancer PrC but with a little twist thrown in for good story telling. I promise to have a post up within the next day or so :]
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I needs me another Vastiago fix. His character is the most interesting to me. Is he taking the option of swapping out Wizard levels for Shadowcaster as he levels as mentioned in the sidebar in Tome of Magic? Is he headed towards the Noctumancer PRC? Enquiring minds want to know. I also can't wait to hear the in character description of the first time he uses a mystery.Im very excited to hear that people like my posts! I actually do plan on acquiring the Noctumancer PrC but with a little twist thrown in for good story telling. I promise to have a post up within the next day or so :]
Music to my ears. Vastiago is the very definition of coolness. Can't wait to read the post once it's up. On a side note, I have a ton of respect for the work you are putting in to be a Police Officer. The world needs good cops. Congrats.
Friday, December 1
Great to be back after a week hiatus from this campaign. We had the whole crew in attendance this evening.
5 Ready'Reat, 596 CY (Pre-Dawn continued)
After the bullywug invaders in the trophy room wer dropped, the party members hanging toward the back of the group heard the front doors in the atrium creaking open and a voice muttering as if to itself. Heading back that way, the party met a somehow familar-looking halfling dressed in sailor's garb holding a sack full of flour and spices. It turned out to be the late Kora Whistlegap's errant son just returned from an extended absence at sea.
Unfortunately for Terran Whistlegap, his return couldn't have come at the worst time. He soon learned that Vanderboren Manor had been invaded by bullywugs at the behest of a pirate angered at the double-crossing of Vanthus, the black sheep of the Vanderboren family. During the assault, his mother Kora Whistlegap, and major domo of the Vanderboran Manor, had been murdered.
Terran dropped the things he had been bringing to his mother who he had hoped to surprise in the kitchen where she would be getting the day's first meal started. He vowed to avenge his mother and joined the party in searching the manor for more of the foul-smelling, murderous frog men.
A search at the back of the trophy room led the party in to a privy where a secret door led into a hidden armory where one Kaskus Kiel, druid of the Jade Ravens, lay comatose. He was revived and joined his comrade Zan in helping the party eradicate the rest of the bullywugs. After grabbing a few things from the armory, the party descended a set of stairs down to the basement.
There, they met with 2 more bullywugs and their chief who had a pet rust monster on a leather cord. The last of the 4 Jade Ravens was there as well, stripped down and covered in a sheet sporting forks and spoons sewn into it to tantalize the rust monster pet of the chief in some kind of sick game the adventurers had thankfully interrupted.
Apparently, Liamae, the Jade Raven sorcerer, had been hanging on to a charm person spell for the best moment. That time came when the party came down and broke up the little game. After downing the other 2 bullywugs, the party came in to deal with the chief. Liamae proudly announced that she had things under control (the chief had failed to resist her spell and had agreed to leave the manor and never return). However, the party wasn't content with that. Especially not Tarren the halfling. He was out for blood, blood, and more blood. He anounced his intentions defiantly to Liamae once and she hissed, "Shut up, fool! He understands Common!" He said it again and with a shouted, "Brruuuuup! Kill you!" the chief strode up with his massive club to deal with the newcomers, the spell he was under apparently broken.
The chief managed to drop Athiaris who brazenly fought club to club with the corpulant bullywug, but in the end the chief had the bigger club. She lived, though. The rest of the party managed to drop the chief and then questioned Liamae who had run over to a pile in the corner which was obvioulsly her gear that had been stripped from her, and began donning her clothing and gear while they killed the chief.
Liamae seemed arrogant as ever, but at the same time, sad for Terran's loss. She seemed to have liked Kora a lot.
While the Jade Ravens went back upstairs to check on Lavinia and secure the top floor from any other hidden dangers, the party searched the rest of the first floor.
In the private dining hall they found another trio of bullywugs with a female warrior sitting at a table smoking cigars stolen from the Vanderboren humador. She seemed quite cocky until her 3 warrors were dropped. At that point she jumped onto the table and attacked with axes in both hands. However, the group managed to nearly surround her and inflicted numerous wounds on her. She decided it wasn't worth sticking around there. She leapt from the table and moved with great speed into the trophy room and from thence to the atrium and presumably out of the manor. Whatever the case, they never saw her again.
With the manor finally secured, the party spent the early part of Waterday hauling bullywug corpses into the back yard where they were set afire and burned for nearly an hour. Lavinia and the Jade Ravens were both thankful for the timely arrival of the Rusty Raiders and their new comrades. The Jade Ravens seemed to see the fledgling adventurers with new respect.
In the following days, Lavinia set about putting her house back in order which involved hiring a new staff of servants, and contracting carpenters, painters, and interior decorators. She also continued to negotiate repayment of old debts some of the wealthier residents of Sasserine had with her parents.
Meanwhile, the Rusty Raiders had each been rewarded a sack of 100 pp for their heroics and an increase to their monthly stipend. With the loot taken from their enemies, they spent some of their free time purchasing new gear and living well in Sasserine's better inn's and taverns.
End of the Bullywug Gambit
Hmmm, some ones at the front door? Zero dark hundred, dead BullyWogs on the floor and now comes a candy gram. I'm tired its way past my bed time and we still have several more rooms to investigate.
Another halfling! This is a bad time for a family reunion. Let Sarena be the barer of bad news and lets get going. Terran in tow and we are off to the armory.
There appears to be a secret door turns out Serena was able to locate it. Blood on the door this is not going to be good. A Dwarf! Another one of those Raven fellows, Kaskus Kiel. Let me cure him since he still has a pulse.
Nice boots they appear to help jump and stride a tad. Plus some healing potions...Great! Now to the basement where it seems the brunt of the Bullywog force come in.
Now there is a big suprise, two more Bullywogs. Nice try with them spears let see how they do with the brunt of everones bows and cross bows.
That takes care of those. Maybe if they breath I can stablize them for the arena. Some things are worse then death for some creatures, make for a fitting judgment. Its too bad they are dead would been more profitable alive. With Terran on board I doubt we will get any one of these Bullywogs alive. That and Athearis lust for blood.
It appears Kaskus is running from some Rust Monster thingy. Better go look. Seems pretty harmless. That chieftan put on the hurt on Athearis. I am really tempted to take my time in healing her. Well with the Bullywog Chieftan down with his rust monster pet killed we can put aside some of our pleasantries since we just found another Jade Raven. Pretty lady but a bit old for me.
It appears the rust monster thing ate through the metal grate for the remainder of the bullywogs get into the manor house through the basement. Time to go up stairs and check the next level.
Well there is a sight for sleepy eyes. A Female bullywog smoking a great stoggy. Pretty nauseus. It didn't take much to neutralize them even though the feamle hopped away.
I was glad to see the end of them and even though it was early morning we have to get those dead out of here. What freaked me out was when Id used a wand and awkoke one of the dead to carry the remiander of the dead out of here. Once done I was done. I went home and slept for three days. Once awoke I made it a point to try my hand at the helm of the Sea Wyvern. My uncle and the rest of the family got involved as well as some of my comrades. It was great. I purchased a full plate armor for myself and enjoyed much of my mothers cooking. I offered for my uncle and Lady Lavinia to talk franchise and purhaps I could talk the Lady into investing some outside time to try her sword hand beyond the boundaries of her parents home. Well..we'll see.
Friday, December 8
My group came up a little short of 5th level at the conclusion of The Bullywug Gambit so they requested that I run a short side adventure. Going off the Savage Tidings article from Dragon #349, my players requested an expedition to the Dungeon of Rust and Fire.
Dan, who plays Athearis the half-elven druid, could not make it to this session.
5 Ready'Reat - 18 Ready'Reat, 596 CY
The Rusty Raiders enjoyed a couple weeks off from risking life and limb for Lavinia Vanderboren. They also enjoyed the increase in their stipend with fine meals in Sasserines better inns and taverns, purchased better equipment, and took the Sea Wyvern up the coast on a couple short trips for Joe's mercantile family.
During that time, they had all grown quite attentive to rumors about adventuring locales, local myths, and reports of monsters and treasure to be had in the area. One such local legend that piqued their collective curiosity was a placed called the Dungeon of Rust and Fire. Located high in the mountains some 30-40 miles south of Sasserine, all that was known of it was that a massive iron tower jutted from the mountain and spewed fire during the night. Explorers had sometimes set out to explore the area, but none had ever returned that had actually climbed to the top of the mountain peak to investigate the pitted iron tower close up.
19 Ready'Reat, 596 CY
The party was unanimous about setting out on their own expedition to the Dungeon of Rust and Fire. They determined how long of a journey it would be and hired a riverboat called the Mud Puppy to take them up the Emerald River into the mountain range they would need to climb to get to the mysterious iron tower. Lavinia was concerned since she had invested so much gold in the group as her personal troubleshooters. She asked them to be careful and get away from danger when it looked like they were up over their heads in it.
The river boat was supplied with food, cages borrowed from Zelkarune's Horns in anticipation of capturing some wild beasts to bring back, and Captain Zeek and his 2-man crew paid in advance. By the middle of Waterday, the party was on their way up the river.
20 Ready'Reat - 28 Ready'Reat, 596 CY
The river voyage was mostly unnoteworthy aside from the strange and exotic plantlife growing in the surrounding jungle and marshland. There was an encounter with a flock of stirges that weakened Sakeema and Terren from blood loss, but they recovered after a day of rest.
In the shadows of the jungle covered mountains, Mud Puppy was moored near a mud flat and the party debarked into the jungle. It was agreed that Captain Zeek would wait for 5 days for the party to return.
As the party hacked their way through the jungle foliage, Sakeema noticed signs of a large jungle cat and warned the rest of the party.
About an hour later, the party was ambushed by poisondusk lizardfolk. They managed to poison Terren with their foul-tipped arrows, but after some were wounded and one was killed, the rest fled into the jungle and didn't return to cause any more trouble. Terren was severely weakened by the poison.
By dusk, the party had reached the cliffs of the mountain and could proceed no further without climbing. They set camp there on a fairly level patch of ground. That night they could hear a loud whooshing sound and a bright glow from the mountains above them. This went on for several minutes on 3 different occasions, but there was no other odd occurances aside from the eery sounds of wild things prowling the jungle.
1 Sunsebb, 596 CY
The first day of the last month of the year found the party climbing slowly up the steep cliffs towards the iron tower jutting from the top. The climber's kit they brought was quite helpful and they avoided any falls or injuries. After nearly a thousand feet of climbing the mountainside they finally topped the peak and beheld a tall, pitted tower of iron jutting up from the rocks reaching a height of nearly 200 ft.
Terren could find no entrance into the tower. Sakeema felt a faint vibration when he layed his hands against its pocked surface. The party decided to climb the tower and see what there was to see at the top.
Terren went up first with assistance from Id using a levitate spell and tied the rope off. A mishap with the rope later almost cost Sakeema his life while he was clambering up after the halfling. The knot slipped loose and the roped with Sakeema plummeted to the sharp rocks nearly a hundred feet below. Luckily, Id had prepared a feather fall spell that broke the elven ranger's fall at the last moment. Sakeema was quite angry, though.
The next time the rope was tied off, it was checked and double checked and held true.
The entire party climbed up and found that they could drop down into the tower onto an iron grate 20 ft. below the jagged top. There, a locked trapdoor opened onto an iron ladder descending 25 ft. to a second grate. Terren picked the lock and the party went down with he and Sakeema going first.
When the 2 of them set foot on the second grate, it suddenly popped out from beneath them on hinges and nearly dropped them 100 ft. to the bottom of the iron shaft. Luckily they both grabbed onto the grate and held on until they could find better purchase.
A chain ladder descended from the second grate 100 ft. to a much large grate at the bottom of the tower. Beneath the grate was a gaping pit from which flames flicked far below. Off to the side, a set of iron stairs descended to a chamber of stone and iron somewhat next to the pit.
The group all climbed down to this area and found that it contained a huge iron door guarded by a man in polished plate mail holding two rapiers. He appared normal except for his burnished golden eyes.
The man called himself Sir Steelheart and demanded that the group leave. He claimed he was the guardian of this "castle". The party was quite set on getting to whatever was on the other side of the door. After counting to 10 at which point he expected the group to leave, the party was still there. Sir Steelheart seemed surprised that they stayed in such blatant manner despite his threats.
Sakeema boldly stroded towards the iron door and the rapier-wielding guardian struck lightning fast with his rapiers droppiong the elf in a bloody heap. Sir Steelheart allowed the party to stabilize and heal their comrade and withdraw, but took offense to Terren's tricksome demeanor. He attacked the halfling rogue twice. The first time he missed and retreated back to his post, but the second time wounded the halfing enough to get him moving back up the stairs with the rest of the party.
The group was stymied. This Sir Steelheart seemed completely focused on gaurding the door no matter if they attempted diplomacy, trickery or intimidation. The group decided to withdraw from the tower and rethink their options.
Is your write-up of the Dungeon of Rust and Fire home-made? I remember seeing mention of it in the player's guide to Sassernine. It was just a description of the outside, if memory serves.
I enjoyed your description of the tower and its contents. Good show.
Yep. My own take on what could be there inspired by the Savage Tidings article. Thanks for the compliment.
A moral dilemma:
Had spent some time on the Sea Wyvern getting my sea legs accustomed to her wake. With the Sea Wyvern sails filled with a easterly wind we set sail up the coast. It was only days ago I had a private conversation with the Lady and all that was as if a passing dream; Bullywogs and the trials pertaining to Vanthus. Looking over the ship from stem to stern the coast could be seen starboard through the misty sea. The ships company was made up a portion of the Rusty Raiders and some of my uncles men. The days trials had ended with good food, good ale and good friends. upon our return we gathered together to venture out to other parts outside of Sasserine hoping for new and differnt surroundings. The tower of rust and fire, sounded pretty exciting since I haven't had time in the jungle and mountain regions of the local area.
Since we were heading into the jugle thought it would be wise to aquire a few cages from Zelkron's Horn. They were very obliging by giving them to us for free as long as they didn't come back empty. Apparently they have a desire for a few big cats, they make for great fighting in the arena. Sakeema purchased a few nets to help in our venture and a river boat was made for our disposal after dispenceing with some coin.
Apparently word of our Heroics has made its rounds and some gnome paladin named Calkin made his appearance. He wanted to join with us on our expedition and his company was welcomed. We set sail on the emerald river and fortune had favor us since Id was able to aquire some insect repelant. Ya know even in light of Id's self centered disposition he has his uses. Beyond that he can be a mouth peace for trouble. Thats why he stays in the back of the party when there is trouble. We encountered what I quickly learned was a flock of Stirge. Most unpleasant creatures able to suck your blood. There were minor injuries from their attack and I was greatful some of the onboard persons took to below decks in their wake.
After a few days we made it to a mud pad where the ships captiain was going to wait. We made our way into the jungle when Sakeema had found signs of a large cat. Hoping to quickly aquire such a prize would be a good sign for things to come. Regretably the cat kept his distance from us and we were unable to capture it. It wasn't long after that we activated a trap. It turned out a group of some lizard folk who were dispicably evil try to ambush us. Fortunately with motivation of fortitude we were able to bag one and send the others running to the nine hells in which they came from. I wanted to track them down but our mission still stood before us, the tower of rust and fire. Eventually we made our way to the foot of the mountain and then at the base of the tower. Its firey breath spewed out several times in the night once at ten evening, once at the midnight hour and once at two in the morn. The brightness of its falme was glorious but it was for the next day we slept in preparation in climbing it's girth.
It took some time but after a couple of hours we made it too the top. Fortunately with Id's feather fall spell had saved the life of Sakeema. It seemed Sakeema was running through a small patch of bad luck. First it was with the Stirges which he was made into a pin cushion. Now a great fall that would of easily have killed him. Terran had led the way into the graet tower, minus a few pitfalls with Sakeema activating a trap. Once at the bottom some hundred plus feet down we entered a dimly lit room with a door with a man in shining armor standing before it. I tryed with utmost use of my diplomatic powers to gain some form of accord but with the constant rabelings of my fellow party members fate was tempted and Sakeema was cleaved in two. The good night displaying a form of mercey allowed to heal our fallen companion. It was becoming a moral dilemma for me to think of engaging such a noble knight. All diplomacey at this point of our discourse had failed due to my parties desires and greed. Greed; it is according to the creedo of Zilchus that we are the masters of money and trade, we are not to allow the money and trade to be masters of ourselves. Others would say "the love of money is the root of all evil". Therfore I withdrew along with the others, but what insenced me which was truely rude and unknightly was the knights boasting. I had forced to set aside my anger to briefly meditate and ponder how pride goeth before the fall. I ponder this as we set aside this time in waiting for next weeks adventure.
Hmm who are these people my cousin has fallen in with? We all decide to go and check out this dungeon, this mythical dungeon of rust and fire, a place no one has ever come back from. And so what, they think it will be easy to over come the things we come across? After hiking through the jungle, well ok maybe hiking is not the correct term, it is more like hacking our way through the jungle, and then a harrowing climb, no make that two harrowing climbs it is like they think that is all there will be. But no, of course that is not all, I mean come on, two little climbs and a little hacking, people would be coming back from that all day, so when we come upon this big "bad" guy in shinny armor why is every one so suprized? Yeah, ok, he dropped one of our guys in the first couple of swings he took, but it was the guy who always stands in the back, well I guess not always, for this time he was right up front, but one of those swings looks to have struck in a place I would strike, if you get my meaning. So what does every one do? I'll tell you they all decide to leave. I was stalling, asking if I could administer healing to my fallen compainion, when what I was really looking for is my cousin to do her thing and get behind him, so we could "bring the hurting", but no, even she thinks running from this guy would be the best. And so after all this it looks like we are going to run with our tails between our legs... so again, I ask, just what kind of people have I fallen in with?
1 Sunsebb, 596 CY (later that day)
The party retreated from the iron tower and returned to their campsite from the previous night. Late in the afternoon, a sweatstreaked gnome clambered over the cliff's edge on the opposite side of the peak the party had come from.
The little guy was surprised to find other people there. His name was Bosco and had been part of a gnomish expedition to this tower. The rest of his companions hadn't made it, but he finished the climb anyway. The party learned that Bosco was an arcane spellcaster. He had no problem aiding the other adventurers as long as they were going into the tower. It turned out they decided that they were. They felt a need to teach Sir Steelheart a lesson, if nothing else. So, Bosco joined forces with the party and they passed the remainder of the night with the same fiery interruptions of their sleep as the night before.
However, after the last of the flames subsided from the top of the tower, a massive insect creature clambered out from the top and began scuttling around along its surface, stopping occasionally to shoot fire from its mouth onto certain areas of the tower. As it reached the bottom of the tower, it was obviously a massive construct in the shape of a beetle. It scuttled around on the rocks at the tower's base and eventually climbed back up to the top of the tower and disappeared inside.
2 Sunsebb, 596 CY
The party had prepared for their return up into the tower by pulling the heavy chain ladder they had had to use inside it the day before up with them when they exited it. It was left hanging from the jagged lip of the top of the tower. With a bit of work the party attached a grappling hook to the bottom rung of the 100 ft. long chain ladder. It was then an 80 ft. climb up Joe's knotted rope and then the rest of the ascent was made using the chain ladder. All in all, it made the climb a lot easier than the day before.
When everyone was safely at the topmost grate, the chain ladder was pulled up after them and lugged down to where it was originally found. There, they reattached it and climbed back down to the lowest grate.
Back down the iron stairs they went to find Sir Steelheart still guarding the massive iron door behind him. When he saw them he exclaimed, "You again?! Did you not learn your lesson?"
But there was no talk this time. Sakeema quickly fired an arrow at him and surprisingly, one of his best aimed shots missed. Meanwhile, Sareena quaffed a potion of invisibility and kept a low profile, all the while inching her way over to the treasure pile Sir Steelheart had boasted of the day before.
Joe quaffed a potion of sanctuary and held the party's wand of cure moderate wounds at the ready as the rest of the party engaged Sir Steelheart in combat. Unfortunately, the battle went even worse than the day before. Sir Steelheart was undettered by Joe's spell effect in attacking the young paladin.
Terran Whistlegap was slain, Sakeema fled, Joe and Bosco were dropped and dying, and Sareena was left to somehow save her companions. Sir Steelheart had noticed his treasure being pilfered and landed a lucky blow on Sareena that caused her to abandon trying to take anything else. However, once she moved away from that area, Sir Steelheart was unable to locate her again.
Sareena was able to force a curing potion down Bosco's throat while Sir Steelheart began stripping Joe's body, which he assumed was dead, of its valuables. By the time the guardian had added Joe's magical sword and masterwork shield to his treasure, Sareena had managed to stabilize the paladin without Sir Steelheart noticing. Bosco snuck another curing potion while his enemy was looking away and then jumped up and left the room.
At the stairs, he and Sareena dragged Terren's body out of the room without any interference from Sir Steelheart. Sareena managed to convince Sir Steelheart to let her take Joe's body and the party would never return to trouble him again. Since he noticed that a couple items of his treasure were missing he called the items he took from Joe's body an even trade and allowed her to drag the paladin up the stairs.
After that it was simply a matter of calling Sakeema back, getting everyone healed up, and climbing out of the tower.
The rest of the day the party carefully scaled the cliffs down the east face of the mountain with Bosco accompanying them. He had decided to stay with the group for now since any more exploration of the iron tower was out of the question.
The party reached the base of the cliffs unharmed and camped there for the night.
3 Sunsebb, 596 CY
The party made slow-going of their trip back to Mud Puppy. The mood was one of defeat and somber reflection as they hacked their way through the jungle foliage. They didn't quite make it back to the river that day and were forced to camp for the night.
During the night they attracted a massive black panther, most likely from the smell of Terren's body beginning to turn in the sweltering heat. Sakeema and Joe took serious wounds from the encounter, but they were able to incapacitate the big jungle cat and bound it up in rope.
4 Sunsebb, 596 CY
The party built an a-frame and dragged their prize back to Mud Puppy, reaching it by mid-morning. Captain Zeek was happy to see that he wouldn't have to leave them since there was only one more day before it was time to weigh anchor.
The party boarded the river boat and placed the black panther in one of the large cages in the hold. Joe administered some healing to the unconscious beast and backed away quickly as it awakened. The beast hissed and roared and paced within its cage, but was otherwise in good shape to take back to Zelkarune's Horns.
5 Sunsebb - 10 Sunsebb, 596 CY
Somehow during the trip back up the Emerald River, it slipped into a conversation with one of Captain Zeek's burley crewman that the Rusty Raiders had brought down the Lotus Dragon thieves' guild and slain their guildmaster Rowyn Kellani. The crewman, Denick, seemed extremely interested in this tale. As it turned out, Denick had been hiding out on Mud Puppy plying the Emerald River with Captain Zeek to hide out from the Lotus Dragon's as he had gotten himself deeply in debt with Rowyn's gang. Since there was no longer any reason for him to stay in hiding, he vowed to join up with the adventurers if they'd have him. Denick confided that his martial skills were completely wasted on a river boat. He was quite anxious to get back to the martial life of a fighter.
Denick was also a member of Zelkarune's Horns and he hadn't really done much to rise in the ranks. When the party stopped for a hunt about halfway back to Sasserine, Denick insisted on joining them. As it turned out, Denick was an expert at handling the spiked chain. The one he used was oversized and very lethal.
The party managed to back a displacer beast and killed a blackscale lizardfolk. The brought both back with them-one for Zelkarune's horns, the other to skin and wear its leather hide as armor.
Once back in Sasserine, the party spent a couple of days to rest, report back to Lavinia Vanderboren, and give Terren a burial at sea which he had requested of his cousin Sareena when the subject of death and burial had reared its ugly head many days earlier.
Strange Times:
Sitting on a park bench with Tarren in some foreign city on the guise that we are there to help support the aligning army; It turned out neither was our supplies there but nor was our weapons. I caught the attention of a passing officer hailing him to assist if he could help in our dilemma. I told the lieutenant we were here on reserves but we need some form of transportation to get around. Instead he offered us a small wooden pony that a child would use and could see no sense in it. The lieutenant was forthcoming and very serious about his offer. I got up frustrated from my place and decided to write home and ask to send my own sword. I then went to the near by messenger service when a large man who was apparently a general of the local armies approached me and addressed me as Captain. He wanted to know if I would be interested in coming with him to acquire some old swords that were tried and true. Apparently they have been kept on display for some time from past wars and battles and welcomed the opportunity to try them. I then went with the large man when I found myself hovering above my broken body. There beside me laid Tarren lifeless. It appeared the battle with Sir Steel Heart ended with disaster.
As I looked upon the scene some how my body was dragged from the room of our last battle. It was fortunate that I carried some extra potions of curing along with a wand of cure light. Serena used the potions to revive me but regrettably her cousin was far to gone for any healing. First time I was this close to dead (-9). I couldn’t help but feel the lingering emotion left me from the dream, or vision or whatever it was with frustration. Frustration, we might as well as hit ourselves against a wall than to have returned to face the wayward knight. Observing the booty it was apparent the idea to bring justice was clouded with greed. I was short a sword, shield and the party its cure mod wand. Once we left this place we did all that we could to finish the secondary goal and with much success.
Since Tarren wished to be buried at sea I was more than obliged to fulfill his dieing wish. I must confess even in light of the gains we made with the Horn the feeling of frustration continues to linger. I hope when we are called by the Lady to further her families legacy we would have more satisfying results than dealing with a wall.
We started The Sea Wyvern's Wake on Friday, but I've been too dang sick to sit down and compose a journal entry. I will have one soon.
Happy New Year to everyone in the Paizo community.
We started The Sea Wyvern's Wake on Friday, but I've been too dang sick to sit down and compose a journal entry. I will have one soon.
Happy New Year to everyone in the Paizo community.
On pins and needles here. Happy New Year!!!!
Friday, December 29
Jon, who plays Sakeema, and Stanley, who plays our new spiked chain fighter Denick, are both with family this weekend. Everyone else was in attendance plus a former player, Todd, who made a cameo and I let run Skald the NPC. I should note that Dan has retired Athearis the half-elf druid from the campaign and brought in Bosco the gnome sorcerer.
11 Sunsebb, 596 CY (Godsday)
While most citizens of Sasserine were attending services in the various places of worship throughout the city, Lavinia Vanderboren was planning a major undertaking, the biggest in her life.
The Rusty Raiders no longer resembled the fresh, young explorers she had first met several months ago. Their composition was greatly changed as well. There had been… some deaths. However, these tragedies couldn’t keep their adventurous spirits down for long. They always seemed to bounce back and had an uncanny ability to attract other likeminded individuals with the same adventurous streak to join them in place of fallen companions. It was all of these qualities that made them so remarkable in Lavinia’s eyes plus the fact that they had recently acquired their own caravel that made them the perfect group for the task at hand.
Late in the day Joe, the paladin of Zilchus, Sareena, the halfling thiefcatcher, Id, the enigmatic wizard, Sakeema the elven ranger, and newcomers Bosco the gnome sorcerer, Denick the fighter and Calkin the gnome paladin of Garl Glittergold, were all summoned to the Vanderboren Manor. They found Lavinia in the dining hall. An assortment of maps and sea charts were laid out on the table with various flags marking particular spots on each of them. Most noteworthy of these maps was one in particular labeled THE ISLE OF DREAD. A small islet off its coast was marked with one of the curious flags. The name Farshore was written in small letters next to marker.
Lavinia allowed the group to take everything in for a moment and then gave them a lengthy recitation of her parents’ adventuring days, which had led them to an expedition of the infamous Isle of Dread, which many people believe to be a myth. Her mother Larissa and her father Verrik had actually been there and left her with one of only several reliable sea charts to the island. A few years ago they had started up the colonization of one of the small islands surrounding the Isle of Dread, a place called Temute. There, the Vanderborens had established the community of Farshore.
It was her parents’ dream to build a thriving community there and establish trade between Sasserine and the Isle of Dread. Her mother’s notes indicate that the island has untapped potential for commodities that an enterprising soul could make a fortune from if they had the bravery to do so. Her parents both did, but alas, her brother Vanthus murdered them before they had a chance to return to the colony.
Lavinia announced that she planned to make good on her parents’ dream and was even now preparing for a long sea voyage that could take several months to reach Farshore. The problem was that she needed a second ship big enough to transport the entire cargo needed to resupply the colony. That’s where the group came in, she confessed. With their ship the Sea Wyvern and their help, they would be helping her and a lot of colonists sorely in need of the supplies they would be taking them. Plus, think of the adventure! To explore the Isle of Dread!
Lavinia waited for everything to sink in…
Joe was nearly hopping from excitement and was the first to agree. One by one the others nodded in agreement and were beside themselves at the prospect of such a monumental adventure. The Isle of Dread!
12 Sunsebb – 20 Sunsebb, 596 CY
With some suggestions from Lavinia, Joe found an experienced ship captain named Amella Vankalie to take up that responsibility on Sea Wyvern. Amella’s no-nonsense attitude and confidence and the assurances that she would keep the crew in line so Joe and the others needn’t have to trouble themselves with was a great comfort. Id didn’t seem to care for her, but that may have been due to the stocky blonde’s blunt statement that he had a stupid name.
Captain Vankalie helped the party find other reliable crewman, starting with a navigator and first mate, and ending with several deckhands. Joe also found himself a young admirer named Tavey that his family recommended that he take on as a Cabin Boy.
While Joe worried over getting exactly what was needed for the journey in addition to the cargo Lavinia had loaded onto Sea Wyvern, the rest of the party seemed to fritter about with trivial concerns, much to Joe’s frustration.
Eventually, though, all was in readiness and the party spent their last night in Sasserine.
**A few of the passengers Sea Wyvern was to carry are worth noting here. The gnome Urol Forol and his plethora of caged spiders and other vermin, to start with. Lavinia allowed him to come because he claimed to have been to the Isle of Dread before and knew a bit about its flora and fauna which might be handy for the expedition. He had also convinced Lavinia to make a stop at the infamous ruins of the jungle city Tamoachan, albeit for a brief exploration along the way. Urol was the embodiment of enthusiasm and couldn’t wait to start the journey. The other of note was Father Fares, priest of Heironeous. Lavinia felt it was important to have a ship’s priest aboard each vessel. Unfortunately, Father Feres spent the first leg of the voyage sicking up over the side of the ship or below decks moaning and wishing for solid land. One other is worth noting, but he gets his own treatment below.**
21 Sunsebb, 596 CY
Before the ships weighed anchor, the last passenger of the 23 that Sea Wyvern was to take on for the trip to Farshore (mostly would-be colonists) arrived-one Avner Meravanchi and his two manservants and prized stallion, Thunderstrike. There were immediate problems, first with finding a “suitable” place for his horse, and secondly, with him having to share sleeping quarters with “commoners”. Joe handled the whole thing diplomatically by shifting some things around in the hold for his horse (they ended up having a bit of room left over after getting all of their supplies, anyway) and by devising a tarp partition to give him a sense of privacy. Soon the Meravanchi nobleman was satisfied and they returned to more important matters.
With the sun just over the horizon, Sea Wyvern and Blue Nixie weighed anchor without much fanfare and were soon miles away from Sasserine. At dusk, the Sea Wyvern party received an invitation to join Lavinia on Blue Nixie for dinner to celebrate the beginning of their journey. A rope line was fastened between the two ships and a net seat attached to a pulley was used to ferry each person from one ship to the other. Unfortunately, Avner Meravanchi joined them for dinner as well. For the most part it was a nice repast with pleasant company. Liamae of the Jade Ravens seemed to enjoy sitting next to the gnome sorcerer, Bosco, chatting with him amiably throughout dinner. However, Tolin Kientai, was indignant every time Lavinia was addressed in some way he deemed disrespectful, which was just about every time Avner opened his mouth. The nobleman and the Rusty Raiders seemed to antagonize each other increasingly with each new goblet of wine as the evening wore on.
When the event was finally over, the Sea Wyvern party prepared to return back to their own ship. For some reason, a couple of the adventurers insisted that Avner be the first across on the net seat. Avner accepted as if it was his due. About halfway across, the rope snapped and the young Meravanchi nobleman dropped into the frothy waves between the ships. A cry of “man overboard” was taken up and soon lines were thrown down to Avner who apparently couldn’t swim. His two manservants fretted and wailed as their lord wallowed in the choppy water, but he managed to grab onto one of the ropes and keep his head above the water.
Bosco shouted in his lispy voice, “Here, let me catht a thpell to help you!” Suddenly Avner grew to the size of an ogre and the deckhands trying to pull him up on the rope were nearly pulled overboard by the sudden increase in weight. Bosco softly giggled, “Oopth! Wrong thpell.” Liamae, the Jade Raven sorceress, leaned over and whispered something in Bosco’s ear and they shared a conspiratorial smile.
Eventually Avner was pulled onto the deck of Sea Wyvern and returned to his normal size. When he complained of bewitched waters, someone told him that one of the Rusty Raiders had cast the spell of enlargement on him. Even though he was told it was meant to help him, Avner Meravanchi glowered and retired to his sleeping area with his manservants fluttering around him worriedly and was not seen again that night.
The gnome, Urol Forol, could be heard to exclaim afterward, “That was awesome! How exciting!”
Skald, the ship’s navigator told Joe in private that he had taken a look at the rope after the excitement was over with Avner and noticed that it had been cut. Joe talked to Captain Venkalie about it and she promised she and Skald would keep an eye out for other suspicious activities.
6 Needfest – 7 Needfest, 597 CY (Week of the WINTER SOLSTICE)
After 13 days of hugging the coastline of the Amedio Jungle, the two ships reached the horn and stopped at Fort Blackwell to take on fresh provisions and offload a few passengers that would be going no further than this. The fort town was at the tail end of their Needfest celebrations of the new Common Year Five Hundred and Ninety-Seven. The two ships had only barely celebrated the new year at all while at sea so it was nice to be around the fort town’s revelers.
Father Feres was especially grateful to be on dry land and immediately set off with his personal belongings, his “portable shrine” to the local temple of Heironeous. While other affairs were being taken care of, the Rusty Raiders caught wind of a smugglers’ cave where some suspicious looking little men with withered skin had been spotted. Some said they might even be evil fey creatures. Bored with their time on the seas, the group let Lavinia know they were going for a short excursion and set out to find the sea cave.
There were actually quite a number of sea caves and it took them nearly all morning to finally find one where they heard some kind of low gibbering voices coming from its dark interior. One of them called out and was greeted with, “Kada booka dala nish nah kalla, Kaboutermannikin!!!” Bosco understood the gibberish and translated it for the rest of the party, “He says ‘Who dares trespass in the home of the mighty Kaboutermannekin?’”. Bosco then responded in the same gibberish, which elicited several angry howls and a trio of small, wrinkly men with sharp fangs carrying oversized clubs and swords came rushing out to attack the group.
A short battle was fought and that was the end of Kaboutermannekin the redcap and his foul offspring. At the back of the cave the party found several wooden crates marked “Fort Blackwell”, some potions, and a couple sacks of coins. They returned to Fort Blackwell and returned the crates which had apparently been stolen recently.
**The end of our first session of The Sea Wyvern’s Wake.**
Dear Mom and family
6 Needfest
The first leg of our voyage was for the most part interesting. Having to choose a respectable crew was easy with the assistance of the Captain from the Blue Nixie and Lady Lavinia. Tavey has been a good and faithful servant, he reminds me a bit like Elsirus, always getting into everything, thanks Uncle David. I have sent him to do basic chores on ship to include up keeping and maintaining the Captains table. He also is great for listening. I have instructed him that it is not nice to gossip but when the crew and ship is at risk to inform me of what is going on.
Captain Amella Vankalie is by no means a Lady, but she is direct and much disciplined. One thing I must add, her use of the common tongue is unprecedented. She has spoken so many words that I must confess I have never heard of before. Considering how many of the older men and woman on board react to her language I suspect it is both derogatory and a bit irreverent, but that aside she is a good leader and does not put up with babysitting or nurse maids. Even the passengers are forced to keep to her demands and orders. She said I reminded her of her previous husband. Truthfully I wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or bad thing considering the way she looked at me well…it was a bit awkward. Any way…most of the people are a lot older than me for the exception of Tavney and seamen Learith Vanderose. She is a bit younger than me but she looks way older. We found her in some bar fight but the Captain vouched for her claiming her to be a great seamen. She was winning the fight apparently quite a scraper which is good, god forbids we run into any trouble. Then there is the First Mate, his name is Skald from what I recon. Very observant and good with the bow, he has observed a quite distasteful act of skullduggery on board.
I should probably start this from the beginning. We have acquired a noble as a passenger who’s name is Avner Meravanchi. A real stuck up old coot that has neither sense of humility nor respect of his fellow man. I was compelled to bring his horse on board along with an entourage of two man servants. The crew along with most of the ships company totally despises the man. I must confess me for one am one of them. My concern has been to try to keep him as comfortable as possible and away from most of the people on board. This is not an easy task with 40 people on board ship. Needless to say the other night we managed across to the Blue Nixie to have dined with Lady Lavinia, the ships captain along with the Jade Ravens and a few VIP’s. One of which was Avner. He did not take to liking to the fact few at the table recognized his position, but upon our return to the Sea Wyvern he was first to cross when the ropes failed. We were able to recover Avner but once we made it over Skald had found that the ropes were purposefully cut. In light of these events I am uncertain that the perpetrator intended to bring harm to Avner or simply humble him. Needless to say if this escalates I will have to take more firm control over these things. I have told nobody else of this situation other than Captain Amella and persuaded Skald to keep it to himself as we quietly investigate.
I happen to be writing you from Fort Blackwell. We have stopped for supplies and to allow the passengers a little chance to see the sights. My group the Rusty Raiders went to follow up on some gossip about some strange things going on at a near by sea cave. It turned out to be three Faye creatures who had been stealing from the local garrison. We returned the garrison’s equipment and supplies and managed to acquire a few magical items in the mix. In the mean time give my love to everyone and pray I will find Dad and Deanna at the Isle of Dread.
Love Joe
P.S. I miss you guys.
Friday Night
January 5, 2007
First session of the new year. Rob and Andrea were not with us again this week. Id is falling hopelessly behind the rest of the party in experience :(
I'm going with a slightly different entry this week.
Captain's Log-The Sea Wyvern
Freeday, 21 Sunsebb, Common Year 596
I, Captain Amella Venkalie, having been entrusted with the crew of Sea Wyvern and in maintaining the safety of the ship, endeavor to keep a record of the events on the journey to the Isle of Dread from Sasserine. This expedition is being sponsored by Lavinia Vanderboren, a young noblewoman of Sasserine who has become responsible for her deceased parents' holdings. She has gained the use of the Sea Wyvern through a mercenary group named the Rusty Raiders, which are in her employ. Apparently the young paladin Joe Tradesman was placed in a position to hire my services. After meeting him and his companions, I took the job and found a suitable crew of able-bodied sailors. We sail to a distant colony on one of the smaller islands surrounding the Isle of Dread. The Vanderborens have apparently settled this community, but it has been out of contact with anyone from Sasserine for about 2 or 3 years. What we find when we get there is anyone's guess, though Ms. Vanderboren is optimistically prepared to inject new life into the colony with several dozen new hopeful commoners and craftsmen and women from Sasserine. We also carry 2 ships full of supplies for the colony in addition to the supplies needed for the 3 months journey.
Starday, 1 Fireseek, Common Year 597
We have restocked our provisions after a 2 day stop at Fort Blackwell. My adventurous employers did a little exploring in the surrounding wilds and apparently had a little skirmish with a family of fey creatures called red caps. Fortunately the young fools were unharmed. We are now under sail once again. We have just rounded the horn and have passed into the Azure Sea on our way south along the Amedio coast. I do hope my employers have more sense about them than I've seen so far as we head into the Vohoun Sea. I am personally acquainted with its dangers having lost my dear husband to the scurvy bastards that prowl these waters. Joe reminds me of him a lot.
The ship's priest and the elf archer Sakeema have both taken ill, I'm told. Joe has informed me that he is tending them in the VIP cabin him and his companions share.
Sunday, 2 Fireseek, Common Year 597
Our heading remains the same. A light rain and choppy waters, but no actual adverse weather conditions as yet. We are making good time.
...A tragedy has struck the Sea Wyvern this mid-morning. Sakeema awakened in good health. Joe's ministrations apparently worked very well. However, Father Feres' condition had actually worsened into extreme fever and convulsions with bloody vomit. Joe was alone with the good father when, from how it is explained to me, the man suddenly exploded and a large blue skinned monster like some kind of man and toad hybrid appeared in the midst of the bloody spray. Joe fled to the deck with the thing trailing behind him. Several passengers got in the monster's way which cost them their lives.
The monster eventually came up on the deck and after nearly killing Denick, one of the Rusty Raiders. Before it could slaughter anyone else, though, the creature was destroyed. Unfortunately, 4 passengers are confirmed dead and one was lost overboard. Their names are recorded here [the names of 3 farmers and two craftsmen entered]
Moonday, 3 Fireseek, Common Year 597
The crew and passengers are still shaken from yesterday. Compounding my own concerns, the Rusty Raiders have come to me with news that someone on board the ship is masquerading as Avner Meravanchi to perform certain acts of spite against them. Apparently he delivered a bottle containing some kind of water elemental monster to their dinner table and slipped away right after the creature burst out and attacked them. I was personally with Avner in the cargo hold listening to his list of complaints about his sleeping arrangements and the inadequate space allotted for his prized horse when this event transpired. Sakeema has also claimed that he found poison in his meal via magical divination. He believes that Cook is responsible. Mister Skald has searched the kitchen and Cook¡¦s personal belonging for any poison he may be hiding, but Cook seems to be innocent of the crime. Cook reported that Avner (or whoever is masquerading as him) came by the kitchen just before he served Sakeema. So, it is clear the same party is responsible for both of the crimes.
Joe and his companions are going to search the cargo hold for stowaways. Sakeema has apparently become extremely paranoid and has stated he will be up in the mizzenmast crow's nest until further notice.
Godsday, 4 Fireseek, Common Year 597
Our heading remains unchanged. The weather is holding.
Joe has informed me that evidence of a stowaway and murder were found in the hold. The body of one of the passengers was found rolled in a tarp and wedged behind some crates. Whoever is stowing away can disguise himself as any of the passengers. The Rusty Raiders are discreetly mingling with the passengers in search of someone wearing the face of the dead passenger.
...Joe has informed me that they have been unable to locate the stowaway as yet. I have Mr. Skald watching the passengers (and my employers, too-you can never be too careful). I trust Mr. Skald's twitchy instincts. His paranoia can be quite handy at times.
...There was an "accident" this afternoon. Someone cut the lines supporting the mizzenmast crow's nest. It came crashing down and damaged the aft deck and sterncastle. Sakeema fell and suffered bruises, but nothing was broken. Our stowaway struck again. My crew was questioned and they seemed to be intent on accusing each other. However, I finally learned that another of the crewmen was on deck right before the accident. Joe and the others went belowdeck and found our man, but he had been in his hammock reading a book well before the incident, verified by several passengers.
...I can sleep a bit easier tonight. Joe's paladin training has taught him how to sense evil emanations. He used these senses to find the fading trail of our culprit. He located the stowaway in one of the aft cargo hold lockers. A fight ensued in which he and his companions slew a bedraggled woman named Rowyn Kellani. They had experienced trouble with her in the past and advised me they had killed her some months back in Sasserine. She was the ring leader for a network of thieves and smugglers in the city. They had suspected that her family may have had her raised from the dead through their various connections with one of the churches in Sasserine, but it had been a passing concern eclipsed by other incidents. Her body and that of the dead passenger are to be weighted with ballast and tossed overboard tonight when the passengers are all sleeping. I regret having to treat the passenger¡¦s remains with such secrecy after suffering such an ignominious death, but I think it best that the crew and passengers not learn of this.
Sunday, 9 Fireseek, Common Year 597
We have arrived at the mouth of the Havekihu River. Blue Nixie and Sea Wyvern have anchored here for the day to take on fresh water. Sakeema has gone ashore to hunt. A fog bank appear to be building a mile off the port side.
Moonday, 10 Fireseek, Common Year 597
The fog bank has only gotten thicker. We can longer see our companion ship and are in danger of running aground on shoals. Our two ships have anchored where we are for the night. Hopefully this fog will burn off tomorrow.
...I awakened with a lurch and left my cabin to find the ship listing to port. There was a scream and one of the crewmen on watch started shouting about something grabbing crewman Jaffter. The adventuring company spilled out onto the deck and began fighting something that had latched onto the port side of the ship near the forecastle ladder. Whatever it was grabbed first Denick and then Joe. It pulled them overboard and was apparently drowning them in the foamy water until their companions dealt the creature enough wounds to destroy it. There were several drowned corpses inside the amorphous creature's "body" that began drifting away once it was slain-bodies of other unfortunate men pulled into its crushing embrace. Life lines were thrown to Denick and Joe and they were pulled back on deck.
We lost a valuable crewman tonight. [name and identifying information of crewman Jasper Jaffter is entered].
Godsday, 11 Fireseek, Common Year 597
The fog has lifted and our ships have weighed anchor and continued south along the coast. We soon turn westward toward the Tamoachan peninsula.
Sunday, 23 Fireseek, Common Year 597
With the fading of the sun, our ships arrived at our next stop on this long journey. On the morrow, the gnome Urol Forol will be going ashore with the adventuring company to explore the ruins of Tamoachan. For the record, I feel that this is a highly unnecessary diversion that could very well kill some of these good men (and lady). However, Lady Lavinia has given her word to let the annoying gnome have a day to explore. So be it.
**The end of our second session**
This is fantastic!
I'll be running this in about a month and your journal is giving me loads of ideas and inspiration - thanks!
Thanks, Carborundum! We'll try to keep the good stuff coming. Knowing that you and others are following our campaign is great motivation to keep the journal going. Hope you have fun with your own STAP campaign.
Dear Uncle David, I am uncertain how soon I will be able to send this letter off. We are past the Horn and have been taking on fresh water for the voyage. I am sad to regret that some old score has had to be settled once again. It appears many of our ships mishaps have been related to a stowaway in which we just slayed Rowyn Kellani. I will skip the events around her subtafuge other than we saw to her burriel this time deep in Davey Jones Locker. I am uncertain how you may use this information for your works amongst the Aristocracey. But there you have it.
Another situation has had a bit of more strange to the voyage. Father Feres of the Temple of Heironeous is dead. It appeared he had had some form of parasite in his body that litteraly exploded out leaving little of the good fathers remains. The creature seemed to be a large blueish demon, although I was told it was a blue slaad, apparently some evil outsider from the planes. We were able to kill the creature but not without the loss of four passengers and one missing at sea. In Father Feres's possessions was a letter about delivering a package to the temple at Fort Blackwell. You might want to pass this on to the local temple at Sasserine and we are currently now lacking a ships cleric. The Fathers letter is attached for proof, and I do believe the good people of Heironeous have a little bit of explainig to do.
The voyage has not been without other perils. If anythig it is bringing both passengers and crew closer together. I must confess I have taken a certain fascination of Captain Amella either that being out to sea for such a long time has curbed my judgment. With my hopes and prayers,
Your nephew
Joe
Friday, January 12
My notes are really short this week. I've got a big test with the Private Investigator's Board here in Las Vegas in a couple of days and need to focus on studying.
24 Fireseek, 597 CY
The party had some trouble with Avner Meravanchi as they prepared to go ashore in the wee hours of the morning. Some things were said between him, his servants, and Denick the fighter. Long story short, Captain Amella Venkalie got the 2 hotheads to agree to settle their differences (a duel) once they reached their destination.
On the Blue Nixie there some kind of disagreement between Tolin of the Jade Ravens and Lavinia Vanderboren, but the Rusty Raiders didn't try to find out what it was all about.
They set out with Urol Forol and had been traversing the jungle towards the ruins of Tamoachan for about 30 minutes when they encountered a young green dragon. It got them good with its acidic breath, but was slain without loss of life or much of the party's resources.
About 30-40 minutes later, they found the ruined entrance they were looking for. There were a lot of statues cluttering up the place, which Urol advised were victims of the basilisk's petrifying gaze.
Sakeema got himself turned to stone, by one of the two(2) basilisks nesting in the ruins. The party was a little peeved that Urol had misinformed them, but then, he had only encountered one when he was here last.
Sakeem was restored to flesh again with Urol's salve and the party entered one of the nearby tunnels.
They entered a large ruined chamber with a small scale depiction of Tamoachan layed out across the floor. A wall of fire trap caught Joe, Denick, and Sarina, but they managed to get past it.
They were then attacked by a will-o'-wisp in another large chamber they had to hack through an iron wall to get to. The creature was destroyed with some well placed blows (mainly by Denick).
When Denick and Joe removed the lid to a secret sarcophogus in the center of the chamber, a cloud of disease ridden dust wafted out and Sarina and Bosco were afflicted the mummy rot.
The party is very concerned about the two disease-ridden allies, but they seem to be holding up for now and showing a good face despite their conditions.
**We ended our third session there**
From the journal of Vastiago Calibre, known as "Id" Wizard (Best if read with an Eastern European accent)
I have been away from my journal for awhile but the being on the ship has allowed me time.
I can feel the power growing within me but I also feel something more, something tangible. Something gnaws at my mind, something dark and sinister. I find it takes more concentration to study the arcane arts, but the book of shadow draws me closer as if in to the arms of a lover.
Small things....shadow where there should not be shadow. Some shadows were in front of the object or person when they should have been behind. I even see movements from some of the shadows of my companions even when they did not move. I see shadows in the darkness. And during the day, my vision, sometimes obscured as if by shadow. Sometimes, I hear whispers in the night, promises of power….words of poison to a lesser man.
But I am no lesser man. I am Vastiago Calibre, Id, master of arcane power. However, to resist the draw of this evil power I must close this book for a time. My arcane studies must take precedence.
As for recent activity, I caught wind of a verbal quarrel between Tolin and Lavinia Vanderbooren, but the rest of my party did not seem to care. They are more concerned with the next “quest” or where the next bag of coin will come from. I have noticed a pattern in all of the material items we have found on our journeys. No one seems to find any value in tomes of arcane knowledge or even scrolls. At times I ask myself what the point of “adventuring” is when I am risking my life for people I really don’t care about when there is naught for me to gain. I could be in my study furthering my knowledge.
I keep the hope alive that I will find something of value, but I am able to collect enough wealth to continue building my library.
We are in a place where we can rest for a time where I complete this entry. I had a bit of good fortune today when we came across the young green dragon. I was able to collect some of his scales and blood for use in my studies. I wish I had more time with such a fine young specimen but a nagging little creature by the name of Urol, and the brutish nature of our default leader, Joe, we pushed forward toward the ruins of Tamochan.
There was a brief encounter with some basilisks at the ruined entrance. I did not think this group had the will to withstand the gaze attack from the basilisk, but they proved me wrong for the most part. With the exception of Sakeema, who was later restored, we make it through fine. For my part I believe I briefly distracted one with a rock. Not to mention waking them up with a screeching rat….which I believe led to Sakeema getting stoned. This would have made me laugh if I cared about such things.
I will make an attempt to update my journal more often. In 250 years when some explorers sack my ruined tower they will no doubt find my entries of interest. I am Id and I am powerful. Who does not find me interesting?
Good luck with your test!
Thanks! It's later today and I'm sure I'll need quite a bit of luck to remember all of the boring codes and things I'll be tested on. Why couldn't they test me on my D&D knowledge instead? ;)
Joe in his contemplations 23-24 Fireseek, 597 CY
What is it about this woman that intrigues me? I am almost embarrassed of my more recent actions, this is so unlike me. But I can’t seem to resist her presence, her lure. I must some how control my emotions. How intriguing to be in a situation of most precarious circumstance, I can not help from noticing this on going smile on my face, it would have been nice to have some advice from my dad. Regrettably it was my brothers and there wayward styles that repulsed me. I see no honor to kiss and tell. There fore things are as they should be.
It was inevitable, Avner stirred up a hornets nest with the fighter Denick. It seems a dual on the field of honor appropriate. Bosco tried to convince Avner not to go on the quest for Tamoachan. Personally I had hoped that Avner would come along with us to allow his pride to get in the way of himself before he brings harm to the others aboard this ship. This man will be the cause of our misery and perhaps even a mutiny. His death will be one of joy rather than regret. Needless to say Avner stayed on board. Maybe a sea serpent will take him.
It has been brought to my attention that Tolin was having some form of confrontation with the good Lady Lavinia. I must make it a point to investigate this further upon our return from Tamoacan. I had a weird feeling he was a bit possessive towards the Lady in our last get together, uncomfortably so.
When Bosco had mentioned to Avner that there would be a dragon, I thought he was bluffing. Go figure a green at that. He even wanted to parlay with us. I must confess I was a bit hesitant to slay the beast considering it offered information of this area. Which in and of itself was very valuable. It didn’t take long for the rest of the party to slay the creature out right. I must be getting a bit softer in these strange times. There is more on my plate than I would have ever expected. I want my mommy. That’s just nuts; I really need to get a hold of myself.
Ya know it wasn’t smart sending Sakeema to search out those caves after Id send forth a screeching dire rat in that area. This is one time I wished he didn’t listen to me. Fortunately he was restored by Urgol. Those poor souls still standing there in stone form. I only wish there was more of that potion that would return them back to their true form.
After the Basilisks being dead I had hoped the remainder of our search through Tamoachan would come to a peaceful end, but it appears that this place is filled with all forms of hazards one in which gave Serena and Bosco a case of mummy rot. They are not looking good and the prognosis is deadly. The strange magical trap and fire trap was relatively easy and with the assist of Denick and the mages were able to defeat a whil-o-whisp. I hope we are able to find something in here that will restore Serena and Bosco. In the mean time I can’t seem to stop smiling. Fortunately this helm I am wearing is helping to hide my joy.
Joe's Journal: 25 Fireseek, 597 CY
Well we are back, and frankly I am a bit relieved. Look over the events at Tamoachan I must confess I was a bit disappointed. We lost Id yet we gained two more people and potentially two others if we are able to get them out of their petrified state. I wish we had found more treasure to show for our loss and sacrifice.
Urol was a bit distressed over the entire ordeal until I reminded him we have many other places to find and explore especially that being the Isle of Dread. When he explained to me that Id had used some mind altering spell to give over his map from his previous visit I was a bit shocked. First I explained to Urol that it would have been good to know there was some form of map. In Urol's defence he explained it was his own and had there been any known threats he would of warned us. Be that as it may I suppose with Id's spell's used against our guess he got what was coming to him. I kind of liked Id in a weard "what the hell kind of person am I associating with" way. But the revival of Sckotch and the Dwarf I suppose evens things out. I just wish there was more treasure.
After talking with Lady Lavinia I discovered that Tolin had wanted to come with us on the adventure. She apparently was apposed to his leaving the Blue Nixie. I guess I could take that in a variety of different ways, but frankly I would rather not get involved with whatever drama is playing out on the Blue Nixie, less the good lady is in danger.
Sckotch had made himself comfortable settling in with us in our cabin. He has managed to help in the healing process of both Serina and Bosco with the Dwarf Cleric. Sckotch just so happens to be a Priest of Zilchus who had been petrified nearly 20 years ago. I have been trying to keep him up to date with what history has transpired since his petrification. He apparently had hailed from Sasserine and is prepared to take this voyage to fruition. I felt since there is no temple of Zilchus that he make it a point to take a offering from me to do as the good book says.
In the mean time I would like very much to spend some quiet time with Amella, if their is such a thing.
Friday, January 19
24 Fireseek, 597 CY (Midday)
Urol wanted to get a really good look at the miniature city model filling the room the party had just encountered the will-o’-wisp in. As he looked for a good spot to plop down in and begin scratching away at his journal, a thin bat-like humanoid came flapping out of the adjoining chamber over Sarina’s head and then Joe’s. The creature’s face was nearly a skull, it’s skin stretched so tightly over it barely humanoid face. It had wicked, long talons and fangs as well as a long tail ending in a stinger.
The bat creature flapped out into the larger chamber, shrieked, and breathed a cone of fire on most of the party that was grouped together to investigate the chamber it had come out of. Sakeema and Sarina put a few bolts and arrows into the thing, but the damage seemed to be very minimal if at all. Most of the wounds simply sealed closed right away and instantly healed over.
Denick’s massive spiked chain with its incredibly deadly reach was a bit more effective. Bosco’s magic missiles helped as well, though the first spell he attempted simply fizzled and his next one went wide of the creature.
Urol stood well back from the combat bouncing from one foot to the other in excitement. Sakeema retreated back to stand next to the dirty gnome. The rest of the party stood there ground and got scorched by the creature’s fiery breath once again. However, before it could damage the party further, their combined attacks finally slew it. It dropped to the ground and immediately began to decompose at an incredible rate. After a few minutes all that was left of it was a slimy stain on the flagstones.
Investigation of the next chamber revealed a massive circular stone disk lying on the ground. It was covered with numerous symbols that Id deciphered to represent phases of the Olman calender.
Another chamber flanked by ancient Olman statues of warriors with tall serpentine and feathered headresses contained a deep pit and numerous burial niches ringing the chamber. More niches covered the walls of the pit. There, the group found an ivory disk covered in decorative Olman designs on one side and a groove in the other that stretched from one end to the other. It was somewhat “W” shaped. Id took a good look at it, but couldn’t place the symbol nor could any of the other adventurers. However, Bosco advised everyone that it radiated faint transmutation magic.
The group left the chamber and returned to the next one where Urol Forol continued to jot down notes and sketches in his journal. Id noticed that there was a tattered map sticking out of his journal depicting some of the ruins they had seen so far. When he asked to see it, Urol became very protective of it. That is, until Id cast a subtle charm on the gnome. After that he was quite amenable to any suggestion Id had, giving over the map for the wizard to examine quite freely. The rest of the party took a look at it and saw basically what they had already seen with some additions recently scribbled onto it to represent the rooms they had just explored.
There was a bit of questioning of Urol as to why he hadn’t shown the party the map, but the gnome simply told the party that there was nothing on it that would have changed anything and besides, it was his. They left matters at that.
Leaving that portion of the ruins, the party exited and entered the next tunnel to explore the chambers Urol had drawn on his map. It depicted some kind of huge statue and another pit. Well, everyone except Urol... the little gnome wasn’t ready to leave without finishing his notes and sketches and couldn’t be convinced otherwise. Therefore, Joe stayed to keep an eye out for trouble and protect the little explorer while the others set off to check out the other areas of the ruins.
Sarina went in first searching the flagstones, walls, and ceiling of the entrance tunnel for traps. It looked pretty safe so the rest of the party consisting of Dennick, Bosco, Id, and Sakeema came in after her. Sarina and Bosco entered a large chamber dominated by a fearsome stone statue with a maw big enough to swallow the both of them in one bite. The statue did nothing of the sort, though. It was simply a big, ugly statue and appeared to be untrapped and devoid of any hidden switches, catches, niches, or compartments.
As Bosco and Sarina approached the ceramic tile-lined pit at the opposite side of the chamber they began to hear soft voices as if they were coming from the pit. The voices kept getting louder and louder as they crept closer. The rest of the party kept a safe distance at the chamber entrance while the gnome and halfling checked it out.
Before they reached the edge of the pit the voices suddenly got louder and louder and a horrible amorphous mass of slimy goo covered in hundreds of gibbering, toothy maws oozed up out of it. Sakeema, Sarina, and Bosco suddenly seemed to lose their minds. Sakeema had an uncontrollable urge to attack... ANYTHING near him. That happened to be the wizard Id. Sakeema drew and fired, drew and fired, drew and fired, drew and fired. THUNK, THUNK, THUNK, THUNK!!! Each arrow sunk into Id’s body before he even knew what was happening. The wizard dropped face down and twitched for a moment before exhaling his last breath. Sarina attempted to stab Bosco with her short sword, but missed him. Bosco was overwhelmed with fear of the gibbering mouther and ran as fast as his little legs could carry him out of the chamber.
Denick seemed to be the only one that kept his senses and fled the chamber. He made haste back to Joe and feverishly explained what had happened. Both of them hurried back to chamber of the gibbering mouther. Perhaps it wasn’t too late to save the party.
Sakeema had come to his senses and stared at Id’s corpse in shock. Bosco remained well away from the scene of carnage, but at the sight of Joe and Dennick returning, he darted back to help.
Entering the chamber, they found the toothy aberration engulfing Sarina as she struggled against its biting, tearing maws. Dennick struck with his chain and Bosco hit it with magic missiles. Apparently it had already been damaged before that as well. The attacks were enough to slay the creature before it ripped Sarina apart.
Following the encounter the group was quite subdued. Id was dead. Not at the hands of their enemies, either. By the hand of a friend.
The group investigated the gibbering mouther’s nest and found several valuable items, some coins, gems, and some jewelry hidden among the bones and rubble filling the bottom. One of the items appeared to be a long length of funerary wrappings with arcane symbols or perhaps religious icons all over them. They were deciphered as symbols of life. They thought about wrapping Id in them to see what happened, but not knowing exactly what they did and how to use them, they decided against it.
Id’s body was carried out along with the petrified explorers standing around the ruins. Joe had convinced Urol to use some of his stone salve to restore one or more of the petrified adventurers.
That night, the party camped in the jungle about halfway back to the beach. There, Urol restored a human cleric and a dwarven cleric from their petrified state. A lot of catching up was needed for both of them. They had stood in those ruins as part of the scenery for over 20 years.
25 Fireseek, 597 CY
The party returned to the beach and boarded the Sea Wyvern’s skiff waiting for them on sand where they left it. Back at the Sea Wyvern Joe took care of reporting to Lavinia and getting their new friends situated. Meanwhile, the 2 clerics tended to Bosco and Sarina to see if they could remove the Mummy Rot they had contracted. The dwarven cleric turned out to be the stronger of the two and was able to remove their affliction. The human cleric then healed the wounds that had resisted curative magic because of the disease. Id was prepared for an honorable burial at sea.
Before midmorning the Sea Wyvern and Blue Nixie were under sail again and once more headed to the Isle of Dread.
**End of fourth session**
I'm surprised that Sakeema had a full round action to attack Id after going crazy. I'd figure he'd have a standard action to shoot him.
Poor Id!
This campaign journal is excellent SG! I'm enjoying the hell out of it. I hope you keep the entries as updated as possible.
I'm starting up a campaign and I had wanted to do Savage Tide but the main players both said they hated aquatic themed/swashbuckler type games. No ships for them. Shackled City it is then. It's sad, ST is an excellent adventure path. IMO, more fun (to read at least) than SC.
Thanks, CthulhuDrew. The supportive comments keep me motivated. If I ever start slacking, a good nudge from you guys should get me back on track.
It's too bad about Id, but such is the dangers of adventuring :\
I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, if anything, about Sakeema's attack action against Id. He was under the effects of the gibbering mouther's gibbering ability which is the same as a confusion affect. It doesn't limit him to a standard action, unfortunately. His action was to attack the nearest creature and attack he did. A little too effectively, actually :(
Anyway, it's good to hear you're enjoying the journal. Too bad about not playing in the STAP, but I'm sure you'll have a chance later on.
Voices from the afterlife, the final entry in the journal of Vastiago Calibre, known as Id, friend to none, disliked by many. After all, he was powerful. (Best if read in an Eastern European accent.)
They had it in for me from the beginning, I could feel it. I didn't expect it at that particular moment, though. I had just finished educating Sakeema in the ways of the wizard, and how to channel magic. I believe he was after my spell book. Of all people, I should have known better. I let my guard down and paid the ultimate price. No doubt they are squabbling over my belongings and attempting to barter whats left with a merchant for coin.
I still linger somewhere between life and the place after. Perhaps my goddess, Wee Jas, has a plan for me. I do not have the feeling that this is the end for me. Only the gods themselves know....
=======
Sadly, Id has died. It's too bad, too, because I had grand plans for him. There was a possibility they could have brought him back, but I would have fallen even further behind the group. As it was I was 2 levels behind and I made some mistakes leveling him.
If I could have redone him from the beginning I probably would have. His personality was so easy to work. He was certainly my most memorable character and probably will be so for some time to come.
Besides...he may yet return. Maybe not in this adventure path, but he will be back.
I'm surprised that Sakeema had a full round action to attack Id after going crazy. I'd figure he'd have a standard action to shoot him.
Poor Id!
This campaign journal is excellent SG! I'm enjoying the hell out of it. I hope you keep the entries as updated as possible.
I'm starting up a campaign and I had wanted to do Savage Tide but the main players both said they hated aquatic themed/swashbuckler type games. No ships for them. Shackled City it is then. It's sad, ST is an excellent adventure path. IMO, more fun (to read at least) than SC.
Edit:
Doh! I addressed the wrong Cthulhu dude. Sorry, Cthulhudarren. Too many of you spongy, tentacled guys wandering these boards. Well, at least two too many. My apologies :|
Friday Night
January 26, 2007
Rob’s bringing in his new character (replacing Id) the dwarven cleric, Mithos Ironaxe.
Continuation of the Captain’s Log as scribed by Captain Amella Venkalie…
Starday, 1 Readying, Common Year 597
We are three days from the ruins of Tamoachan. Our heading is east-by-northeast. The weather holds and we have a good wind at our backs.
As I expected, one of the young adventurers met an untimely end in the ruined city – the enigmatic young wizard, Mr. Id. His loss above all the others will be the most grievously felt by the Sea Wyvern. A ship’s wizard is a boon unlike any other. A very unfortunate loss. There is still the sorcerer Bosco, but I have no faith in gnomes and this one seems exceptionally flippant and unreliable, as prone to stand on his head and gibber as step into the breach with magical aid in a serious fight.
Two others returned to the ship infested with a disease; a curse, I’m sure, left by the ancient residents of Tamoachan. Norebo smiles on us in that the expedition returned with two priests that had been petrified for some many years. The earthstink gnome, Urol, had an oil or salve of some sort that returned them to their natural state. The dwarven priest had the ability to remove the horrible disease infecting them and they appear to be whole and hale once more. The two priests are boarding with us and will continue on to Farshore. Their names have been added to the ship’s manifest. ( Mithos Irongate, dwarven priest – Skotch Selvant, human priest)
…Afternoon. Blue Nixie came along side our starboard bow and the Lady Lavinia warned my adventuring employers about the Scarlet Straight, as she had told me about previously. I am well aware of its dangers, but the young adventurers are not. I defer to Lady Lavinia in this. The Olman Isles and the tip of the Tamoachan Peninsula form a dangerous straight controlled by Scarlet Brotherhood ships. I have dreaded this passage. My experiences there have been harrowing to say the least and many bad memories are brought to the fore. Lady Lavinia has suggested sailing through one at a time with about 30 minutes separating us. Joe has informed me that he and the others like this idea and have volunteered us to go first on the morrow when we near the straight.
Sunday, 2 Readying, Common Year 597
I am forcing myself to scribe this entry. I feel sick and discouraged. I have locked myself in my cabin so that my remaining crew and the passengers do not see me in this state.
We approached the Scarlet Straight at midmorning. Lirith spotted sails in the distance and I dared to hope that it was simply a merchant vessel or perhaps another friendly ship. As it got closer my worst fears were realized…. Red Sails.
I pushed Sea Wyvern for as much speed as I could and steered her as close to the coastline as I dared so as to avoid the other ship, but she managed to intercept us.
Sir Avner and his two manservants thought the whole encounter was some kind of sport. He appeared on deck and took up a position on the forecastle with a heavy, clumsy-looking crossbow and declared today “Pirate Hunting day” while one manservant handed him quarrels and his other held a goblet of wine for him. What incredible foolishness and pomposity! I could not waste the time or crewmen needed to drag the man belowdecks for his own good. The Rusty Raiders seemed far too obliging of granting him his wish to be a part of the encounter and I cannot in good conscience say that they did not know what the outcome of such foolheartiness would be. I would even venture to say that they glanced at him from time to time with eager anticipation. I cannot say the man had not earned their enmity, but as servants of the Lady Lavinia, they had vowed to protect all on board Sea Wyvern. I digress, though.
Purity’s Prow was the name of the Scarlet Brotherhood ship (yes, much like naming a Pomarj half-orc whore “Chastity”!), and she waved the Scarlet Cross from her mainmast. A red robed wizard warned us that we were in Scarlet Brotherhood controlled waters and demanded that we reef sails and prepare to be boarded for inspection. Gratefully, I received the order to ignore his commands. We pushed for even greater speed, every sail furled and pulling us forward as we sought to outrun Purity’s Prow. Though she was one good storm away from sinking, she was quick and rode much lighter on the water than Sea Wyvern. The red robed Suel man shouted the same orders across to us, but we ignored it. Their captain brought his ship within a hundred feet of our port side and I was forced to maintain a straight course or possibly run aground since I had sailed us close to the coast.
The Suel marines fired volleys at us with crossbows, but our elven archer returned fire in earnest from his position in the mizzenmast crow’s nest and Bosco attacked with arcane spells. Dennick had grabbed a crossbow and did his best with it as well. Avner fired a couple shots, but was more or less ineffective. Sakeema struck the captain and forced the man to tie off and seek cover. As our two ships closed the red robed man began firing lightning bolts, fireballs, masses of webbing, and screeching lines of energy that seemed to rip the air itself in its passing. Our mizzenmast was sheered through dropping sails and rigging atop the quarterdeck where Joe and I stood. Sakeema was dropped violently to the deck from the shattered crow’s nest. The dwarven and human priests supported our effort with their own holy magic and healing.
Though the crew of Purity’s Prow were decimated singly and in two’s and threes, her captain lived and the ship’s wizard wreaked havoc on Sea Wyvern’s crew and rigging. With only the captain and wizard left alive on Purity’s Prow and nearly my entire crew slaughtered and our rigging badly damaged, our two ships separated to lick our respective wounds.
I must report that Avner Meravanchi and his servants did not survive the attack. I have also lost my navigator, Mr. Skald, and most of the rest of the crew. Our lookout, Lirith, and our cabinboy, Tavey, are all that survives of my crew.
…Blue Nixie arrived and seeing our wretched state, guided us to a sheltered cove her navigator knew of. There we began effecting repairs and trying to regain some semblance of dignity. Lavinia ordered 3 crewman she felt Blue Nixie could spare over to Sea Wyvern and the Rusty Raiders took up the other tasks that needed to be done. Joe is passable as a sailor and has asked me to teach him what I know so he can one day be a competent Captain, but the others can’t tell a yardarm from a sword arm. We will have to make do with what we have.
Waterday, 5 Readying, Common Year 597
The two priests, Mithos and Sckotch, have aided tremendously in repairing Sea Wyvern with their divine magic. The craftsmen we have on board took care of the rest. We are now around the tip of the Tamoachan Peninsula and heading southwest hugging the coast. Morale is still very low. We are scheduled to stop next at Fort Greenrock. I think some time spent off the ship amongst the bustle of civilization will improve everyone’s spirits, including my own. I would be surprised if we aren’t a few passengers short, though, once we are ready to set sail again.
Freeday, 14 Readying, Common Year 597
We have arrived at Fort Greenrock only to find it a blackened, charred ruin. After Lavinia, her Jade Ravens, and the Rusty Raiders went ashore and looked around, the Lady has ordered that we not linger in this area. We continue on and I am filled with foreboding as to our future.
Godsday, 18 Readying, Common Year 597
Morning. We have stopped at the Atikula River for reprovisioning of our water stores. The river cascades down from a high cliff into a deep lagoon. The waterfall is magnificent! The lagoon is beautiful and peaceful, but too small for more than one ship to sail in at a time. Sea Wyvern will be heading in first.
Afternoon. By all the gods, what a terrifying experience!
We sailed in without incident and sent our two new crewmen on a skiff with barrels to fill under the waterfall. A few passengers approached Joe with a request to take a dip in the lagoon. Others simply jumped in and went for a swim without a word. We were all caught up by the beauty and peacefulness of this place and soon all of us (yes, even me) were stripping down to our small clothes and jumping in. The water was just right and very refreshing.
Some of the passengers still on board Sea Wyvern started pointing at something in the water. I was well away from the ship on the other side of the lagoon talking with Joe in the shade of the lush cliff face so I couldn’t hear what they were saying. Then suddenly the water sprayed upward and 7 long, sinuous reptilian necks ending in the heads of dragons emerged. A water hydra!
Two swimmers (passengers) were immediately snapped up in its jaws and torn apart. (Their names are entered here) The creature then began attacking Sakeema and Dennick, who were closest. The other swimmers smartly swam directly away from the behemoth.
Sarina, the little halfling, managed to swim away from danger. Bosco, the dwarf priest, Mithos, and Brother Sckotch were on deck, so they began attacking it with their magic. Dennick was savaged and appeared to be dead. Sakeema took wounds, but was able to swim away. The creature then climbed up the side of the ship causing it to lean precariously to port under the huge creature’s weight. Mr. Skald was on deck and shooting it with arrows. He slipped and fell when the deck listed and was bitten to death when he slid into the creature’s reach. Brother Skotch was also bitten to death and Mithos and Bosco very nearly perished as well.
Fortunately, aid arrived in the form of a summoned shark from the Jade Ravens druid, Kaskus Kiel, and magical missiles from Liamae from aboard the nearby Blue Nixie.
Urol Forol, for all his stink and uselessness, summoned a porpoise (I was not aware he was a druid) that saved Dennick from drowning. The porpoise pushed him to the surface and over to where Joe and I were preparing to battle the monster. Joe healed Dennick a bit and then the two grabbed onto the porpoise’s dorsal fin and were pulled back to [i]Sea Wyvern[i].
The monster continued to take damage from magical missiles and spells from Bosco and Mithos. Before it could kill again, the creature was slain and it dropped back into the lagoon.
The experience has shaken me up. I wonder if perhaps I’ve bitten off more than I can chew, as the saying goes. Further complicating things is my relationship with Joe the paladin. My tutelage has led to other things and I’m afraid the young man may believe it is more than it is. By his behavior, I think I may have been his first. I’ll say no more on this subject. Ah, what a fine mess this expedition has turned out to be!
**The end of 5th session**
*Searching Id's cabin aboard the Sea Wyvern* Hmm this looks like it will do nicely.
Journal Entry #1
Wow, it has been a long time since I have had this much fun. I have been in hiding for some time, but with the problems of my past handled by people other than me, I can finally be myself once again. There really isn't much to me, but I do like what there is. I grew up in the back alleys and dark streets of Sasserine's Shadow District, and there I learned the most important lesson of all... Walk like you can use the big stick you should be carrying... And did I ever take that to heart, and I got the biggest "stick" I could find, well actually it is a chain, but it does good at keeping even the big tall ugly mofo's a little over arms reach. Any way, since it has been a very long time since I have found some people who I could consider friends, I thought this the perfect time to start writing down what happens to me, and besides this boat ride is getting boring. I have spent so much of my live learning to battle people in "close" range that I would like to see much more of it. The whole "let the archers handle it" is a little annoying to me. But I am getting a little off subject here. I have found a group of people in the Rusty Raiders that I like, and actually care about, to some degree. Joe, the wanna be fighter... no I kid... Paladins are great, they are there on the front lines, most of the time, to help get you back into the fun, when need be. He is young, but I actually see great things in his future. Bosco, now there is a guy that comes in super handy for me, when ever we are entering combat, he wiggles his fingers and chants some words, and "BOOM" we have Denick the "Big" , Sarina, now here is a little halfling unlike most I have meet, she works for the good side as a "bad guy". Yup she is one of those I will learn the tricks of your trade to better catch you kind of rogue type people, but she does like to get in there and mix it up when she can... And that leaves us with the elf... the one Joe has taken to calling Mr. Raven, he like me is quite and keeps to himself quite a bit, but I say there is nothing wrong with that, and even though I am tired of the archer getting all the fun, I am glad he is here, after all his "stick" might not be that big... but many small ones come at you fast and together they can add up to be one big one.
So any way, I have been traveling around with these fellows for some time now, and have had many chances to use George, that would be my chain's name, even when I upgrade and get better ones, it is still George and I have thought, you know maybe some day I might settle down, and start a family, and if I do, my kids might want to know what kind of adventures there Pops went on, so from now on, I will be trying to recount my adventures here, in this black book left by the late Id, my his soul rest where ever he wishes it to rest.
And a note on our Fourth session... it was Denick and Sarina in the tiled room where the Mouther came out of the Well... not Bosco, and it was Sekeema, that ran for Joe, after he snapped out of his "little" episode. The spiked chain was put to very good use against the beast...